At some point it felt like Cuban amateur sensations taking professional boxing by storm will be the story of the decade. Especially early Gamboa bought Tyson memories as he blasted past contender after another, Odlanier and Ortiz brought the HW goods, others shined at lower classes (KO Doc) and perhaps Rigondeaux schooling Donaire put the crown on it all. But that was the cap on this Cuban endeavor, as more and more disappointments followed, witnessed by Gamboa's struggles and KO loss, Rigo never making it to stardom due to style, titlists not really making much difference (Rances, Ugas) while others lacked skills (Socarras) dedication (Garcia), or got shocked early (Ramirez). What's your final verdict on this Cuban phenomena? Did they live up to the hype? Did myths around Cuban amateur boxing as an infinite talent pool and special skills got exposed? Does an extensive amateur career have negative effects going pro? Are reoccurring problems are to blame: defense, chin, conditioning, perhaps nutritioning as a youth? Will there be a new Cuban storm or is there a Cuban Boxing Crisis, in amateurs or at pros? Discuss suckas.
Well there isnt much to say left about the current bunch. I was hoping La Cruz and Savon defect but it seems that boat sailed aswell.
Some didnt live up to the hype. Some have had very good careers. Many seem to be plagued with bad career choices and inactivity. I guess growing up in a communist regime doesnt teach you how to make good decisios in a market place?
Solis was a real disappointment ... but it's a pity Juan Carlos Gomez kept doing this thing where he'd fight often then once a year then often then once a year. Virchis was a good win. From memory I think Ding was posting on this site around the time he beat Gomez.
There was a time the Cuban's were expected to be a major force and even dominate pro boxing. It hasn't happened. I think it's because their whole system of boxing is built around amateur boxing. It's probably also due to Cuban's getting a later start in the pros than fighters going into the pros from countries like the US, Britain and Mexico. I think we also see some of this with Loma and Usyk. As good as they are, their styles and techniques are clearly grounded in amateur boxing. They also got late starts in the pros.
I agree with this and also if someone goes into the pros to late in life. Even if they don't have 300 fights, if try turn pro when they are 30-32 they have limited time to adapt to the pro game.