The Cuban defectors

[Lords Gym]

seems like a lot of Cuban fighters defecting these days. Not sure if there's a specific reason for why its happening now but they do seem to be ending up in Germany.

There's a heavyweight, Odlanier Solis, I think 3-0. Think Bilbo or somebody made a thread about him. Kind of out of shape looking but fast.

Also two smaller guys, Yuriorkis Gamboa, two time Gold medalist. There's a video from youtube on him in my prospects thread. Very fast, very accomplished amateur. Think he's fighting at 130.

Also a guy named Rigondeaux, Gold medal guy at bantamweight I think, apparently one of the most impressive guys at the Olympics last year.

I think Gamboa and Rigondeaux were two of the biggest name guys on Cuba's team, should be able to make an impact.

Anybody know more about these guys?

it all about family and opportunity. Cuba is ruled by an iron fist, athletes work for the government, they don’t get paid . sporting events in Cuba are free to the public. if a citizen defects his or her family will pay the price with imprisonment .

now if an athletes family can be secured and the opportunity is there, who wouldn’t go? going from dirt floors and living in poverty, to having the opportunity to make a real living to better your family.

The Cuban officials pick which athletes go into what sports. they look at kids as young as 6 years old.. looking for solid builds and long armed blokes , then tell them they are going to be a boxer , train them as such, that is one of the reasons why Cuba always have a solid boxing program.

I just meant why all of a sudden now. I know they want to get paid, I was just wondering why three or four all of a sudden defected.

I would assume there was an amateur tournament in some other country, and they just decided that now was the time.

you are correct, thats usually how the get out, via the amat tourny's outside cuba. which was the care here.