Cuban 2020 Olympic Gold Medallist Andy Cruz Has Apparently Defected

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

Just got word that Andy Cruz, who won Olympic gold at Tokyo in 2021 in the lightweight division, has left the Cuban boxing team and has apparently defected. Cruz, 26, has also won three world championships and two Pan American championships. He has never placed less than first in any international competition. No word yet on his whereabouts, but he is supposedly off the island. An announcement is said to be coming soon.

Do you know where he defected from? Where they in a camp in Miami or something? Ideally he’s already in the US so there’s little chance of him getting sent back. I’m sure PBC, TR etc will be queuing up to sign him.

[paulf]

I remember reading at some point there was a was a path for Cuban boxers to go pro now without defecting?

But I guess they'd have to turn over their earnings to the government, eh?

[CubanGuyNYC]

Do you know where he defected from? Where they in a camp in Miami or something? Ideally he’s already in the US so there’s little chance of him getting sent back. I’m sure PBC, TR etc will be queuing up to sign him.

It was reported that he’s no longer in Cuba, and I believe he’s already in the US. He was recently sidelined by the team for a “bad attitude.” Haha I’ll say. Lol

[CubanGuyNYC]

I remember reading at some point there was a was for Cuban boxers to go pro now without defecting?

But I guess they'd have to turn over their earnings to the government, eh?

That announcement was made a month ago. I know nothing about it except that, yes, the commies take a cut of any earnings the Cuban boxers make.

[sicko]

Special Fighter! Look forward to seeing him as a pro for sure

great rivalry with Davis, their styles are so similar which made for great chess matches but Andy was more seasoned

should join Salas in Vegas

[CubanGuyNYC]

Special Fighter! Look forward to seeing him as a pro for sure

great rivalry with Davis, their styles are so similar which made for great chess matches but Andy was more seasoned

should join Salas in Vegas

Definitely a very talented young man, but I wonder how well his style will translate to the pros. He’s a pure boxer. Those rarely sell tickets unless they’re simply great.

[Haka]

Cruz is super-slick and sports some very flashy footwork. No doubt he’s a serious talent, but I don’t know how well he’ll adjust to the pros. He has that “fencing with gloves” style. Time will tell.

Another Rigondeux ? Let him stay in Cuba.

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

It was reported that he’s no longer in Cuba, and I believe he’s already in the US. He was recently sidelined by the team for a “bad attitude.” Haha I’ll say. Lol

Bad attitude i.e wanting to be paid fairly as one of the best amateurs in the world.

Hopefully he’s signed by a major promoter.

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

Another Rigondeux ? Let him stay in Cuba.

Rigondeaux was a great fighter. Just a shame everybody ducked him until he got old. That Donaire performance was special.

[CubanGuyNYC]

Another Rigondeux ? Let him stay in Cuba.

Lol I don’t think Andy has Rigo’s temperament. I certainly hope not. Cruz doesn’t have exactly the same style. He is very slick, and moves around a lot. Rigo simply refused to engage on a frustrating level in nearly all his fights. I guess we’ll soon find out.