A question for the Classic forum I know there have been some truly excellent Cuban fighters both amateur and professionals that have deflected and we have lost a few that I think could have been good pro's like Tefilo Stevenson ...I know since the former Russian region fighters have been allowed to turn pro they have been dominating the heavyweights but I have been disappointed with the Cubans thus far in the heavyweight ranks....I expected more from Gomez, and Gonzales years ago and now Solis...do you think the no limit in the heavyweight division and the freedom that they were never allowed is a problem for the Cuban (I mean they dominated the 3rd amateurs, why not the pros') heavyweights, they have excelled everywhere else...Napoles-welter-etc.
Mike Perez is supposed to be pretty good, I hear. Cuba's problem(besides the obvious issues with pro boxing in their area) is getting the fighters to move quickly. Can't help but look at guys like Solis, Lara Rigondeaux, and Gamboa and feel like they're already past it, but they're still trying to adapt to the pro game. Rigondeaux looked pretty great raping Casey this weekend though, I guess. Gamboa IMO is looking more beatable every time he goes out. I think Donaire, Rigondeaux, Juanma, and even experienced guys moving up like Hasegawa have a chance against him.
They don't get into big fights soon enough, too long in the amateurs, not getting into big fights until after their 30th birthday. Gomez was what 35 when he fought Vitali, Solis is 31 I think. That and being innactive and being a kid in a candy shop once they leave the more spartan Cuba, its not suprising. They also don't get enough of them defecting really. I do think if Solis knee had not gone it would have been a seriously intereting contest, his foundamentals saw him outbox Vitali early, so we can imagine how good an in shape Solis would be
well, it was still a punch that caused him to wobble and injure his leg, Solis was hurt by that punch so we don't know for sure what a solid Vitali punch would have done to him...Solis is still young and will have another chance to comeback just don't think Vitali will be around
