What happened to Cuban boxer Teofilo Stevenson?
Former Cuban heavyweight boxer Teofilo Stevenson, who won three Olympic gold medals, has died at the age of 60. State media said he had suffered a heart attack.
Did Teofilo Stevenson fight Muhammad Ali?
Stevenson’s prime in the 1970s coincided with Ali’s own glory years, so much so that American media often dubbed the Cuban as “Ali’s Communist twin.” The fight sadly never happened for a number of reasons – Stevenson had no intention of relinquishing his status as a Cuban amateur and when the two finally met in Havana.
Why did Teofilo Stevenson not turn pro?
That he remained an amateur long enough to win three golds cuts to the heart of the enigma that is Teofilo Stevenson. His Cuban passport meant he could not turn professional without abandoning Fidel Castro’s doctrinaire communist regime.
Did Teofilo Stevenson have kids?
Teófilo Stevenson was 6’3” tall, according to Encyclopedia Britannica… His nickname was “Pirolo”… Teófilo Stevenson was married four times and had two children, according to his 2012 obituary in The Independent; for the last two decades of his life he was married to the former Fraymaris Arias Melendez.
Why do Cuban boxers not go professional?
Turning pro in Cuba has been prohibited since 1962 because their late leader Fidel Castro regarded it as corrupt. Ever since, Cubans have been convinced to fight for country, not cash. So much so that heavyweight legend Felix Savon – a three-time Olympic gold medalist – turned down the chance to face Mike Tyson.
Who never fought Muhammad Ali?
Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali are two of the greatest heavyweights of all time. In their prime, both were unstoppable. However, they have never fought against each other.
Why are there no Cuban pro boxers?
Why is Cuba so good at boxing?
The high international standard of Cuba’s boxers was evident in the Olympic arena. In 1961, along with other sports, the Revolutionary government banned professional boxing. However, thanks to a huge government financial investment, Cuba has built a reputation in Olympic boxing.
Why are Cuban boxers so good?
“Cuban boxers are genetically predisposed to boxing. Their genetic make-up aligned with the volatile Latino temperament, world-class trainers and iron discipline make for an explosive combination,” explains McGuigan.
Why did Fidel ban pro boxing?
For the last 60 years, professional boxing has been off-limits for Cuba’s elite boxers, based on Fidel Castro’s belief that the industry practices were corrupt. The Caribbean island has now decided to lift the ban and allow its boxers to pursue professional careers.