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While the athletes from the Island seek better training conditions abroad, three boxers from Serbia traveled to Cuba to train with experts in Cuban boxing in preparation for participating in the IBA World Championship, which will be held in Kazakhstan at the end of May and early June.
According to a official note published this Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX), the Serbians are training with the "boxing wizards of the Caribbean" to "gain competitive experience and self-confidence."
Without mentioning the crisis affecting Cuban sports, Cuban officials praised the training that boxers Jovan Nikolic, Almir Memic, and Rastko Simic will receive on the Island.
Last year, at the European Championship held in late April in Belgrade, Jovan Nikolic won a gold medal in the light heavyweight category (up to 71 kg), while Rastko Simic earned a silver medal in the light heavyweight category (up to 80 kg), and Memic won a bronze medal in the light heavyweight category (up to 75 kg).
"It is not impossible for the trio of our female boxers who are currently training in Cuba to participate in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, alongside our best female boxers, who will fight for historic medals at the CMBA in Niš in March," noted a report from the media Sport Klub.
Although the regime praises the work of Cuban coaches and sees this exchange as an "opportunity," Cuban boxing is suffering from the crisis that affects Cuba, which has impacted the training of young athletes.
In December of last year, amidst the National Boxing Series held at the Rafael Fortún multipurpose hall in Camagüey, Cuban boxers participated in matches during a blackout that plunged the venue into darkness.
The unusual event was reported by the site Swing Completo on its Facebook page, highlighting how the athletes continued to compete under adverse, almost incredible conditions.
Nonetheless, the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER) has sought desperate solutions to the crisis.
This year, he signed an agreement with the promoter AGON Sports & Events GmbH to secure the participation of boxers in both national and international events, which will ensure much more lucrative financial rewards for several of the island's top fighters.
Frequently asked questions about the training of Serbian boxers in Cuba
Why are Serbian boxers training in Cuba?
The Serbian boxers Jovan Nikolic, Almir Memic, and Rastko Simic are training in Cuba to gain competitive experience and confidence ahead of the IBA World Championship to be held in Kazakhstan. They aim to learn from the experts of Cuban boxing, known as the "wizards of Caribbean boxing."
What is the current situation of boxing in Cuba?
Boxing in Cuba is facing a crisis due to a lack of resources and power outages during sporting events. However, INDER has signed agreements with international promoters, such as AGON Sports & Events GmbH, to ensure the participation of boxers in events and improve the economic conditions of the island's fighters.
How have Serbian boxers training in Cuba stood out?
In the 2024 European Championship, Jovan Nikolic won a gold medal in the light heavyweight category (up to 71 kg), Rastko Simic earned a silver medal in the same category (up to 80 kg), and Almir Memic secured a bronze medal in the light heavyweight category (up to 75 kg).
What impact does the economic crisis have on Cuban sports?
The economic crisis in Cuba has seriously affected sports, limiting the resources available for training and competitions. This has led to an exodus of athletes seeking better opportunities abroad. Despite these challenges, initiatives such as agreements with international promoters aim to mitigate the impact and revitalize sports on the island.
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