Teofilo Stevenson once quoted "what are 8 millions dollars compared to the affection of 8 million Cubans" This made him a national Cuban hero however how sincere was this statement, was this the sole reason for refusing to turn pro and figh Ali? Were there any points during his career and after when he was retired where Teofilo was close to turning his back on Cuba and their political system?
I don't have the same take on it. To me, Teofilo Stevenson was keenly aware of how well he was treated in Cuba, both by the people there and his own government. He wasn't pulling in multi-millions, but he was VERY well taken care of, and wanted for absolutely nothing. It wasn't some high-minded social commentary on his part that made him take the stance he did. He wasn't that complicated.
Who knows what he really thought about it. Apart from the money, he also turned down a chance to get one over the Americans depending on how they would of done the fight and a chance to prove himself against the most famous sportsman on the planet. I wonder what the US government's stance would of been if it had happened. On another note I was in Havana a few years back and my cab driver told me Duane Bobick had been over a couple of times and met up with Teo. He said he'd driven him and they were friends.
So in that sense despite the nature of Cuba's economy at the time and their political stance you would say Teofilo was taken care of much better than the average Cuban?? I have heard that Fidel Castro and Teofilo were close, however in the research I am doing I have come across claims that Teofilo had no other choice but to decline the offers made to him to turn pro in fear of what would happen if he 'turned his back on the Cuban people and the revolution'?? I suppose though in turning professional Castro and many Cubans would have no longer seen Teo himself as a true Cuban and therefore if he had fought Ali and beat him would Cuba's government really seen it as a victory over America??
To add to that during your time in Cuba did you speak to many people about Teofilo?? It may seem strange to ask but I am currently carrying out some research on him and Cuban policy within sport and I am hoping to go over there myself to carry out some further research.
I presume you've watched "Sons of Cuba" which gives an insight into the Cuban's views of those who defect. It's nearly 10 years since I was there and I've always wanted to go back. I've got a chance to get back in 2013 without the kids so I will be finding out as much as I can about Cuban boxing. I've been living in Spain now for the last 7 years so my Spanish is a lot better than it was then. I'll keep you informed if you want and share anything I find out if it's not too late for you. One thing I will say is though that eveyone I spoke to back then knew who Teo was and Kid Chocolate for that matter.
From what I understood, Stevenson fell out with Castro during the 80s, but it seems he was back in the fold when reading the excellent 'In the red corner' (John Duncan).
Not seen the film but this discussion has whetted my appetite.Ive visited Havana a few times and as youd expect many Cubans like their boxing,although Id guess theyre a bit more reticent when it crosses over into politics.As Iramon said,I guess some Cubans are better off than others.When you go,visit the Monserratte bar in Havana Vieja.Alexis Rubalcaba,who i think got an olympic silver,is the doorman there.Sometimes days,sometimes nights.Nice guy,doesnt have to do much which isnt surprising when you see the size of him!!
brain washed he was like many who thought he was living a good life being loved in Cuba, he should have made some American $$$$ and he would have seen real love with those bucks but as they say ignorance is bliss
Yes agree with these observations.He would have been a lot better off financially,even if he hadnt won a title(for me Ali would have been too much,also possibly Foreman and Frazier).But as Al points out,well never know his thoughts.I think a major consideration could have been family.How many Cubans defect and lose all contact with loved ones.I find it very sad,really.
