Quote Originally Posted by Tito_BHB
Quote Originally Posted by Bilbo
Oh and professional boxing is not allowed in Cuba, hence why the Cubans have such a great amatuer team.

Castro is on his way out now though so they may be allowed to turn pro soon
I thought about this myself a few times..

They obv are commi's so they cant turn pro.. But they have so much time to practice as amatuers they are excellent fighters..When castro pops his clogs i look forward to seeing a surgance of good cuban professional fighters
There are a few on their way already. Heavyweight Odlanier Solis (http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=391766), Featherweight Yuriorkis Gamboa (http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=391770) and Super Bantamweigt Yan Barthalemy (http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=391769) all defected Cuba last December, and have since turned pro (in Germany).

All three won olympic gold in Athens, and they should be able to make some waves in their divisions. Solis especially - he is fighting in boxing's premier division, his amateur record is outstanding, having also won 2 world titles (in 2001 beating Sultan Ibragimov in the semi, David Haye in the final), and at 27 he doesnt have the time to wait too long before making moves. They are all fighting tonight btw (their second fight as pro).

Also another defected Cuban, who will be interesting to follow is Cruiserweight prospect Yoan Pablo Hernandez (http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=324252). 22 years old, 10-0 against decent opposition. Figting next week against seasoned Norwegian Thomas Hansvoll (25-3-2).