watched the cuban national champion training

[joe strong]

there was 20 or so youngsters training yesterday. they have to be 11 years old before they can start. i brought them all big jugs of water & got some in ring training but no sparring. sure hoping to see some but i have a feeling i won't. there is an 11 year old i recorded training & working with the coach. he told me he was very intelligent & advanced for an 11 year old. coach wanted me to throw a few jabs & he put the pads on...hahaha! i popped a jab & the pad hit him in the face. he was surprised & immediately pulled out the scales & realized i was 240lbs. he say felix savon & i say no the hamburglar...great bunch of kids & they treated me really well. i made sure i slipped them some money & everyone had water to rehydrate as there was no water anywhere for the boxers. neat experience...still never caught the national champions name. 140lbs(64kg)i believe he said...the other 2 were 52kg & 54kg...$6\hour internet so i type fast...my grammer & typ[ing skills are already bad enough with my finger pecking but now i got to do it even faster...the pressure is overwhelming...

[joe strong]

i'm a little disappointed i only got to see the guys train. i went to the gym 5 days in a row. i understand the size difference & age but the main n3 guys there everyday could have sparred. 2 of them were 2kgs apart...oh well i did get some pics & some training video i will popst when i get home. i think most of the amateur fights in the country happen at "kid chocolate"gym in havana. i never got a chance to go in that gym as it was always closed...maybe next time