Boxing Qualifying Tournament: The lesser of two evils

Boxing Qualifying Tournament: The lesser of two evils
Fecha de publicación: 
25 March 2018
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Very bad news for Cuba after the first days of the boxing qualifying tournament that granted tickets to the Central American and the Caribbean Games to be held in Barranquilla. Two members of the team did not contribute.

Johannys Argilagos’ defection and Yosbany Veitia’s sudden illness prevented Cuban boxing team from attending the regional Games with its full squad.

Perhaps Veitia may be granted a special invitation. But it is a very tough path as the Venezuelan national team could not participate in the event due to bureaucratic issues. The Venezuelans will certainly ask for some invitations. Therefore, we rely on the executive members and we must accept whatever decision they take.

As it had happened before every time disgrace knocks on Cuban sports’ door, our athletes raise. And so it occurred in Tijuana, Mexico. The rest of the team won their gold medals.

For some, it is a piece of cake due to our boxers’ international pedigree. But Erislandy Savon (91kg) or Jose Angel Larduet (+91kg) deserve some more lines.

Despite being the current world champion, Savon has faced serious troubles against Colombian Julio Deivis. Thus, Savon’s win triggers his self-confidence. He may actually face Deivis in the finals in Barranquilla.

Meanwhile, Larduet won his fight against a very good opponent like Trinitarian Nigel Paul. The good thing is that he finally was taken into account to compete abroad. The previous veto was luckily lifted and he fulfilled all the expectations.

The rest of Rolando Acebal’s team met the goals, including Arlen Lopez (75kg) who still lacks that strong performance after closing a golden cycle.

There are still some months ahead of Barranquilla and news were encouraging now. Before the event, Cuba will have some clash in the World Series of Boxing and the team will face tougher fights until then.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Diaz / CubaSi Translation Staff

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