The boxer Andy Cruz returned to Cuba two and a half years after leaving the country, sharing emotional moments with his family and loved ones after establishing a successful professional career that keeps him undefeated and with great chances of contending for a world title.
The user Reinier Blanco Díaz posted on Facebook an image of the Olympic champion from Tokyo 2020 and world champion as an amateur, amidst a flood of reactions on social media regarding his trip to the island.
"Andy Cruz is in Cuba visiting his family, like many Cubans do nowadays. But some seem to forget that he left the country legally for the Dominican Republic. Not everything is an escape, gentlemen," wrote Blanco.
In June 2022, he was involved in a failed attempt to illegally flee to the Dominican Republic to pursue a career in professional boxing, missing the Playa Girón National Championship.
As a result, in July of that year, the National Boxing Commission expelled him from the national team citing "frequent absences from training" and "turning his back on the commitments made."
After months of uncertainty, in November 2022, Cruz managed to leave Cuba legally and reunited with his partner in the Dominican Republic. Then, in May 2023, he arrived in the United States after announcing a million-dollar contract with Matchroom Boxing, solidifying his entry into the major arenas of professional boxing.
Already on American soil, the boxer from Matanzas has developed a triumphant and rapid professional career, remaining undefeated and with great potential to contest a world title. Many experts today consider him the best active Cuban boxer due to his technique, speed, and ability in the ring.
Frequently asked questions about Andy Cruz's return to Cuba and his career in professional boxing
Why did Andy Cruz return to Cuba and how was he received?
Andy Cruz returned to Cuba to visit his family after establishing a successful professional career in boxing. He was received with great enthusiasm by his loved ones and sparked many reactions on social media due to his return to the island.
What has been Andy Cruz's professional career in boxing since he left Cuba?
Since leaving Cuba, Andy Cruz has built a successful and unbeatable professional career in boxing. After signing a million-dollar contract with Matchroom Boxing, he has maintained an undefeated record, with 6 wins and 3 knockouts, and is shaping up to be one of the top talents in the lightweight division.
What is Andy Cruz's next goal in professional boxing?
Andy Cruz's next goal is to compete for a world title. Following his recent victory against the Japanese fighter Hironori Mishiro, he has become the mandatory challenger for the 135-pound world title, currently held by Raymond Muratalla.
What was Andy Cruz's attempt to leave Cuba like, and what consequences did it have?
Andy Cruz attempted to leave Cuba illegally in June 2022, but the failed attempt resulted in his expulsion from the national team. However, in November 2022, he managed to leave the country legally and continued his career in professional boxing, first in the Dominican Republic and then in the United States.
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