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Sarbelio Fuentes Rodríguez, a former boxer, coach, and founder of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER) and the Cuban Boxing School, passed away this Saturday at the age of 85 due to causes that have not yet been disclosed.
The news was confirmed by the director of INDER, Osvaldo Vento Montiller, and by the official press, which praised Fuentes's commitment to the "revolution" and to the dictator Fidel Castro.
Born on October 21, 1939, in Santiago de Cuba, Sarbelio Fuentes won the Diamond Belt in Washington in 1957, with a record of 19 wins (12 by KO) and nine losses.
However, with Castro's rise to power, he abandoned professional boxing to "join the amateur sports movement," emphasized Cubadebate.
In 1959, he began working on a Volunteer Sports Council in Contramaestre, and by 1962 he was already part of the technical team that prepared Cuban boxers for the Central American and Caribbean Games in Kingston.
Throughout his career, he directed the Cuban National Boxing Team, which under his leadership won seven gold medals at the 2001 World Championships in Belfast and three at the 2003 World Championships in Bangkok, as well as five gold medals, two silver, and one bronze at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
"Founder and pillar of the Cuban School of Boxing, he highlighted his many successes as a coach with proven love for Cuba and Fidel," stated INDER on X.
The president of that regime organization highlighted his successes as a coach and recognized him as a "symbol of boxing and Cuban sports."
Just this year, Fuentes had been awarded a car in recognition of his performance and "commitment to the homeland."
Among the creditors of a vehicle were also sports legends such as former sprinter Enrique Figuerola and recently retired para-athlete Omara Durand, in addition to coaches and active athletes in disciplines like boxing, wrestling, baseball, and para-athletics.
The death of Sarbelio adds to that of other figures who have recently passed away, such as the prominent athlete and coach Leandro Félix Civil Jarvis, a glory of Cuban sports, an international medallist, and a key figure in the training of generations of middle-distance runners, including Ana Fidelia Quirós and Roberto Hernández.
Shortly before, the death of former Cuban athlete Eloína Calixta Echeverría Torriente had also come to light, renowned in the long jump and triple jump events.
Frequently asked questions about Sarbelio Fuentes and Cuban boxing
Who was Sarbelio Fuentes and what was his legacy in Cuban boxing?
Sarbelio Fuentes was a Cuban former boxer and coach, founder of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER) and the Cuban Boxing School. Born in 1939 in Santiago de Cuba, Fuentes was known for his commitment to the development of amateur boxing on the island, achieving significant international success with the Cuban National Boxing Team. His legacy endures as a symbol of Cuban sport, celebrated for his humility and dedication.
What achievements did Sarbelio Fuentes reach as a boxing coach?
As a coach, Sarbelio Fuentes led the Cuban National Boxing Team to win multiple medals in international competitions. Among his most notable achievements are seven gold medals at the Belfast World Championship in 2001, three at the Bangkok World Championship in 2003, and five gold medals, two silver, and one bronze at the Athens 2004 Olympics. His success as a coach solidified his reputation as a key figure in Cuban boxing.
How was Sarbelio Fuentes recognized for his contribution to sports in Cuba?
Sarbelio Fuentes was recognized by the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER) as a "glory of Cuban sports." This recognition placed him among the most prominent figures in sports on the island, and in 2025, he was awarded a car as part of a program honoring athletes and coaches for their commitment to the homeland and the revolution. His legacy continues to be celebrated by Cuban sports authorities.
What was the impact of Sarbelio Fuentes' death on the Cuban sports community?
The death of Sarbelio Fuentes was a significant blow for the sports community in Cuba. He was remembered as a symbol of boxing and Cuban sports, and his passing adds to the loss of other important figures in Cuban sports in recent times. Authorities and the state media highlighted his commitment to the revolution and sports, sharing in the sorrow of family and friends of the esteemed coach.
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