Cuban boxing strengthens its level with international tour

Havana, June 18 (RHC)-- Just hours before returning to Havana on Saturday, the elite Cuban boxing team completed its penultimate day of training in the Dutch city of Rotterdam, the third stop of a tour that has become an international prelude to its participation in the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Motivated by the levels of preparation achieved, head coach Rolando Acebal described as "significant" the tour, which began in Germany and with an intermediate chapter in Mexico, where his students signed a balance of seven wins and a draw in matches against professional fighters.

Acebal recalled that after more than a year without any training outside the borders, it was necessary to meet again with exponents of different styles.

"The plan was fulfilled 100 percent, with high quality and in excellent conditions, both in the gyms and in other elements that contribute to the essential work-rest relationship," Acebal told JIT via Internet.

Cuba will present seven boxers in Tokyo, including reigning champions Arlen Lopez (81) and Julio Cesar La Cruz (91).

The roster also includes London 2012 titleholder Roniel Iglesias (69), double Olympic bronze medalist Lazaro Alvarez (57), two-time world champion Andy Cruz (63), former world gold medalist Yosbany Veitía (52) and Pan American leader Dainier Peró (+91).

Boxing has conquered 37 of the 77 Olympic titles won by Cuba and will once again be a pillar of its aspirations in the event that begins on July 23 in the Japanese capital.