Cuban Boxers Gunning for Gold at Paris Olympics

Boxing has won Cuba more Olympic medals than any other sport.

“We’re the best boxers in the world. It’s been proven time and time again”, says Lázaro Álvarez, three-time World Champion and Olympic Medalist, while putting on his boxing gloves and throwing some punches.

Cuba has won more Olympic medals than any country in Latin America. 1/3 have been in boxing.

“The school began having results in the 1970’s, when we won our first three Olympic golds in Munich in 1972. From that point on, Cuba earned a lot of respect in sports, especially in boxing”, says Rolando Acebal, Head Coach National Boxing Team.

“I’ve always trusted Cuban boxing. We just need to keep competing and showing the type of boxing that is taught here, from an early age”, boxer Lázaro Álvarez says.

Cuba is sending five boxers to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“Every athlete dreams of the Olympic Games", Lázaro Álvarez says.

“Behind a medal winner, or an athlete, there is a great sacrifice”, says Arlen López, Olympic Gold Medalist.

“The hardest part is the time it takes to prepare”, says Julio César La Cruz, also a Olympic Gold Medalist.

“Training began in January. We had several events, the qualifiers. Now we’re still training”, says boxer Arlen López

Julio César says about getting prepared: “Because of the country’s situation, the economy, the U.S. embargo, we’re not preparing the way we would like, the way we should”.

“We don’t have the best gym when it comes to technology and equipment. We have many scarcities and limitations. It’s not a secret that many athletes have left the country. That’s the truth. ”, says Rolando Acebal, Head Coach National Boxing Team.

Cuba’s economic crisis, fueled by U.S. sanctions, has driven hundreds of thousands to migrate.

“It’s difficult to form an Olympic champion, a world champion. It doesn’t happen overnight”, says Rolando Acebal.

“But with what little we have, we’re showing the desire to get there. When you have interest, discipline and love, things come your way and you learn”, says boxer Julio César La Cruz.

“It’s a big responsibility. You become the mirror for many young people and that’s what pushes you forward, to be an example for the young people who will come after us”, says Lázaro Álvarez.

“Boxing is my life. I always prepare to go out and win and dedicate my victory to the Cuban people, who have struggled a lot, who are hurt by U.S. sanctions. All of our success and achievements speak volumes of the Cuban people”, says Julio César La Cruz. “We’re going to get a medal. No one can get in our way.”