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The renowned Cuban boxer Félix Savón, a three-time Olympic champion and six-time world champion, has returned to the media spotlight following the announcement of his granting of parole, as reported by independent media recently.
Now, following his release, which reportedly occurred at the end of last year, the first images of the former champion with family and friends show him looking thinner but in a happy environment.
It has been his daughter María Félix Savón who has taken on the task of documenting her father's appearances at various family gatherings, the first of which occurred in September, when her parent turned 57 years old.
On that occasion, you can see Félix Savón wearing a sweater with the Cuban flag, similar to those given to athletes and sports heroes who attend international events.
He was also seen in the following months at birthday celebrations, Christmas, and New Year's, which could be interpreted as the former champion having obtained permissions or temporary passes outside of prison.
His parole has generated mixed reactions, intensifying the debate surrounding his case, which has remained shrouded in secrecy by the Cuban authorities.
The seriousness of the accusations and the lack of official information regarding the legal process have kept this issue at the center of controversy, especially outside the island.
Savón was convicted in 2018 for the sexual abuse of a minor and served more than half of his sentence before being released.
Despite the significance of his case, the sanction and the judicial process were never officially disclosed by the Cuban authorities, which led to speculation about the exact circumstances of his imprisonment.
For example, it is uncertain when or where his trial took place, nor whether he had legal representation during the process, noted the digital portal CubaNet.
Rather, Savón's case was shrouded in notable secrecy by the regime, and the sanction he received was never officially communicated to the island's population.
It is still unclear whether the parole was requested by Savón himself or by his representatives. The regime has not officially reported the matter, even in the context of other releases that occurred last week.
Born on September 22, 1967, in Guantánamo, Savón demonstrated his strength, technique, and discipline in the ring from a young age, qualities that led him to become a boxing legend.
He competed in the heavyweight category (91 kg) and represented Cuba for decades, establishing himself as one of the leading figures in amateur sports.
He is one of the few boxers in history to have won three consecutive Olympic gold medals (Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000), matching the achievement of his compatriot Teófilo Stevenson.
Moreover, he won world titles in the years 1986, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, and 1997, demonstrating almost absolute dominance in the heavyweight category for over a decade.
Savón also shone in continental competitions, where he won gold medals at the Pan American Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games.
He was known not only for his success in the ring but also for his loyalty to the Cuban sports system, which prohibits its athletes from participating in professional competitions. Despite the lucrative offers he received during his career to compete professionally abroad, Savón remained true to the principles of the Cuban Revolution, becoming an icon of amateur boxing and a representative of sports as a political tool in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the release of Félix Savón
Why was Félix Savón arrested?
Félix Savón was arrested in 2018 for the sexual abuse of a minor. Despite the seriousness of the accusations, the judicial process and the penalty were never officially disclosed by the Cuban authorities, leading to speculation about the circumstances surrounding his imprisonment.
How did Félix Savón obtain his parole?
Savón was granted parole after serving more than half of his sentence. It is still unknown whether the parole was requested by Savón or his representatives. The Cuban regime has not officially reported on his release.
What was the public reaction to the release of Félix Savón?
The release of Félix Savón has generated mixed reactions and intensified the debate surrounding his case. The secrecy surrounding his trial and conviction has kept the issue at the center of controversy, especially outside of Cuba, where the lack of transparency of the Cuban regime is being questioned.
How has Félix Savón been since his release from prison?
Félix Savón has been seen looking slimmer but in a happy environment. The first images following his release show him in family gatherings and celebrations, suggesting that he has been enjoying his time with loved ones.
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