If people are expecting the next Gavilan, Napoles, Parent, Tunero, Ramos or Rodriguez to show up on a boat in Florida you are in for a long wait. When those guys defected they were poor and starving and came to a boxing era full of the poor and starving.

For better or for worse this is a different era and the Cubans also know it. It’s a softer and more coddled one. Guys like Rigo and Gamboa most likely never crossed until they had a seven figure contract. Super stars before their first pro fight. Once they arrive here they quickly find out how risk and reward is applied in this atmosphere. The decadent life style makes them lazy. Look at Perez. He was supposed to accomplish what Felix Savon would have done had he turned pro. And Gomez before him. Another talented guy that turned into Audley Harrison once he got spoiled and wrapped up in all the glitter.

Now Rigo is one Cuban who has overachieved and may be the best fighter in boxing but may be to good for his own good. It will be interesting to see what he does after his next fight when his Arum contract ends.