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The Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugás once again raised his voice against the harsh reality faced by Cubans, this time in relation to the most recent massive blackout that left a large part of the country in darkness.
Through a post on his social media, the former world champion shared a striking image of Havana in darkness where only the newly opened Torre K hotel, owned by the Business Administration Group S.A. (GAESA), which controls the dollarized economy of the island, and is in the hands of the military and the leadership of the Cuban totalitarian regime, was illuminated.
The contrast between the darkened capital and the brightly lit hotel (the tallest building in the country) led the professional boxing champion to reflect on the suffering of the Cuban people.
"Cuba is like a real-time horror movie," wrote Ugás, denouncing the energy crisis that plagues the island and has become part of the daily life of millions of Cubans.
In his message, he pointed out that this situation is not an isolated incident, but a recurring issue within the country, while in the capital, in his view, the authorities are trying to protect their image before the world.
Ugás compared Cuba to North Korea, highlighting that both are among the countries with the least economic freedoms. He also criticized those Cubans who, after leaving the island, prefer to ignore the harsh reality of their compatriots and avoid any denunciation of the crisis facing the nation.
"How can a Cuban live in the United States or in China and not denounce this? And look the other way. And go dance and shake their hips with many who are sometimes from there," questioned the boxer, lamenting what he sees as indifference from the diaspora towards the suffering of those still in Cuba.
In his reflection, he also emphasized the loss of historical memory among many Cubans, who —according to him— escape the crisis, forget the past, and stop caring about those who still suffer from shortages within the island.
"What a shame for our people, our families, our children, our neighbors, without electricity, without the hope of seeing light tomorrow," he concluded.
Ugás's words have resonated on social media, where thousands of Cubans are sharing their frustration over the lack of electricity, a problem that, instead of being resolved, worsens with each new blackout.
Yordenis Ugás: From the Ring to Activism for the Freedom of Cuba
Yordenis Ugás has been an active advocate for freedom and human rights in Cuba, using his platform as an athlete to raise awareness of the Cuban cause.
He has participated in protests, such as the one held in front of the White House in January 2025, where he demanded the release of political prisoners and the end of the dictatorship on the island. Ugás expressed his pride in his activism, stating: "The day Cuba is free, I will proudly say: 'I did my part'".
Additionally, he has maintained a close relationship with figures in the Cuban opposition, such as José Daniel Ferrer, whom he described as "the bravest man in Cuba" after speaking with him on the phone in January.
Ugás has also shared personal stories that reflect his commitment to the cause for years, highlighting his connection with the Ferrer family since 2012 and how he almost gave up boxing to support the opposition within Cuba.
Recently, Ugás criticized Cuban artists who refrain from commenting on the political situation of the island, emphasizing that to talk about the reality of Cuba, it is not necessary to be political, but simply human.
Their activism has been consistent and determined, always seeking the unity of Cubans in the struggle for freedom and respect for human rights in their homeland.
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