Were it not for the Cuba?s odd political system and foreign policy that limits the great talents of Cuba?s lineage of fighters from international exposure, especially in the United States, the 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist Felix Savon could have been the most formidable opponent of then heavyweight champion Mike ?Iron? Tyson in the 90s. In fact, Felix Savon was reputedly offered by Don King at least $10 Million to pursue a professional fight in the U.S. However, like Cuban great, Teofilo Stevenson (who could have also been the strongest opponent of Muhammad Ali), Felix Savon also adamantly refused the offer and even declared, “I never would have traded the love and affection of my people for all the millions in the world” exclaimed by Fidel Castro?s favorite sportsman.
Now, history repeats itself as another Cuban great champion has been under pressure to stay stagnant in his homeland. For years, the most feared team of Cuban amateur fighters have become the victims of their own political ideology. Obviously, the country?s rich talents ended up to a limit of obsolescence for the sake of upholding their sense of nationalism. Two-time Olympic gold medalist, Guillermo Rigondeaux (with an incredible amateur record of 243-4) could no longer endure the suffocation that he experienced from a communist view of government. Eventually, he attempted to defect from his country but it wasn?t until 2009 when he made it to Miami via Mexico with other co-team fighters.
Reportedly, Rigondeaux (professional record, 5-0-4 KOs) had signed a 3-year deal with Bob Arum?s Top Rank under Ronnie Shields as his new coach, replacing the boxing guru, Freddie Roach. Rigondeaux was said to have packed up from the Wild Card gym by reason of mild miscommunication with Freddie Roach, yet was amicably settled for good. Yet, Roach maintains that this talented golden prospect has similar characteristics of Manny Pacquiao who is also a left-handed (southpaw) fighter. Roach believes that Rigondeaux, like Manny, has a great potential to beat the best opponents out there and become a great world champion.
Rigondeaux, a 7-time Cuban National Champion, is said to fight this coming August 21 -via Top Rank Live card in Tijuana, Mexico. Fortunately, his promotional mess has also been fixed to seal his future in championship level boxing. Many spectators believe that Rigondeaux will become the next big thing in boxing. He needs to box more in the arena in order to attain his dream of absolute freedom, not only for himself, but for his family whom he had left when he defected from Cuba.
Hence, Guillermo Rigondeaux needs to unleash the best in him, and will no longer allow the influence of his country?s political ideology to tie his hands and imprison him. Rigondeaux, 29, knows that there?s still a great champ in him. He knows -that a great talent once put in a cage, will never be the same again.
