As Cuban amateur sensation Andy Cruz gears up for his professional debut on the Alycia Baumgardner vs. Christina Linardatou card in Detroit this Saturday, now would seem the perfect time to shine a spotlight on a great boxing nation.
From Kid Chocolate to Kid Gavilan, from Benny "Kid" Paret to Jose Napoles, from Luis Rodriguez to Sugar Ramos, these fighters reached the summit of professional glory and deservedly skipped into the Hall of Fame when their time came. But it's the amateur game in which Cubans have truly excelled over the past several decades.
Cruz, a 27-year-old super lightweight from the city of Matanzas, exited the unpaid ranks with a 140-9 record. Among his list of accolades are Olympic gold (2020), World Championship gold (2017, 2019, 2021), and Pan American gold (2015, 2019).
WATCH: Alycia Baumgardner vs. Christina Linardatou 2, live on DAZN
However, despite his pedigree, Cruz, who faces former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos this weekend, is not the most decorated amateur fighter out of Cuba. Many legendary figures have emerged from his home country and their accomplishments are truly remarkable.
The Sporting News now takes a look at five of the greatest Cuban fighters of all time...
5. Robeisy Ramirez
Division: Bantamweight
Notable accomplishments: Olympic gold (2012, 2016)
How good is Robeisy Ramirez? Well, the Cuban star captured his second Olympic gold medal by winning a legitimate decision over Shakur Stevenson. If you didn't know that already, then you may have to read that sentence twice.
Southpaw Ramirez has beautiful moves inside the ring, but he's also aggressive and his fan-friendly style has transitioned well into the pro ranks. Despite a huge upset loss to Adan Gonzales (later avenged) in his debut, Ramirez has gone on to win the WBO featherweight title at the expense of Isaac Dogboe.
Now based in Florida, the 29-year-old hotshot is tipped for superstardom. If he continues on the path he's on, then he may very well emulate his amateur supremacy in the paid ranks.
A rematch with Stevenson could be something special down the road.
Signature amateur wins: Shakur Stevenson, Kal Yafai, Michael Conlan, Andrew Selby, Tugstsogt Nyambayar
MORE: All you need to know about Baumgardner vs. Linardatou 2
4. Mario Kindelan
Division: Lightweight
Notable accomplishments: Olympic gold (2000, 2004), World Championship gold (1999, 2001, 2003)
A technically beautiful fighter with near-perfect timing and incredible combination punching.
It's unfortunate that Kindelan is probably best remembered by U.K. audiences for a decision defeat to future world champion Amir Khan, who he had outpointed in the 2004 Olympic final. There's so much more to this amateur boxing legend.
Between 1999 and 2004, Kindelan was unbeaten in nine consecutive competitions. He scooped two Olympic gold medals, three World Championships, two Pan Am golds, and two Central American and Caribbean titles.
That is an insane run.
Kindelan's final amateur record was 358-22 and his contribution cannot be overstated.
Signature amateur wins: Felix Trinidad, Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan, Andreas Kotelnik
3. Guillermo Rigondeaux
Division: Bantamweight
Notable accomplishments: Olympic gold (2000, 2004), World Championship gold (2001, 2005)
This otherworldly southpaw exited the amateur ranks with a 463-12 record (source depending) before wreaking havoc as a professional.
A seven-time national champion, Rigondeaux possessed blinding speed, near-psychic reflexes, exemplary footwork, and flawless technique. Despite his slick defensive manoeuvres, "Rigo" could also turn out the lights, particularly with a dynamite left hand that was felt and not seen.
Rigondeaux's professional ascent was blighted by inactivity, but that was largely due to opposition unapologetically ducking him. Regardless, the Cuban star still annexed world titles in two weight classes and emerged as one of the finest pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
Still active today, he is long past his best, but outstaying his welcome in the pros could never detract from his greatness as an amateur.
Signature amateur wins: Zsolt Bedak, Abner Mares, Rau'shee Warren
2. Felix Savon
Division: Heavyweight
Notable accomplishments: Olympic gold (1992, 1996, 2000), World Championship gold (1986, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997)
One of the greatest amateur fighters of all time, Savon displaced Teofilo Stevenson as the Cuban sensation to beat during his era.
With an astounding record of 362-21, this 6-foot-5 colossus had an unrivalled medal haul over the course of 14 years, banking 27 golds and one silver. Blessed with remarkable speed and agility for a big man, Savon brought a professional style to the amateur ranks and reigned supreme during a very tough era.
Stevenson was Savon's inspiration, and like his predecessor, he declined several offers to turn professional. Given his well-rounded style and hitting power, it's entirely possible that he would have made a better professional than his hero. We'll never know for sure.
Had Savon ventured into super heavyweight territory, where the likes of Wladimir Klitschko would have stood menacingly in his way, then No. 1 on this list may have been assured.
Signature amateur wins: David Tua, Sultan Ibragimov, Lamon Brewster, Ruslan Chagaev
1. Teofilo Stevenson
Division: Heavyweight/Super heavyweight
Notable accomplishments: Olympic gold (1972, 1976, 1980), World Championship gold (1974, 1978, 1986)
Charming and personable outside the ring, Stevenson was a killer inside it. Adept boxing skills and a lethal right hand were responsible for decimating three eras of elite-level competition.
With an incredible record of 302 wins against 22 defeats, Stevenson is the consensus choice for greatest Cuban amateur. His medal haul at Olympic and World Championship level is bolstered further by a trio of Pan Am golds and six Central American and Caribbean championships.
Had Cuba not boycotted the 1984 Olympics, it's entirely conceivable that Stevenson would have added a fourth championship to his resume.
A staunch patriot, he resisted several offers to turn professional, which would have included a money-spinning showdown with Muhammad Ali, whom he later befriended.
Signature amateur wins: Duane Bobick, Michael Dokes, Tyrell Biggs, Jorge Luis Gonzalez
Honourable mentions: Hector Vinent, Joel Casamayor, Odlanier Solis.
