Would Rigo have been better off if he stayed in Cuba?

[RedZmaja]

If Rigo didn't play his games he would probably have won the 2008 gold medal. Hell, he might as well have gone on to win the 2012 and 2016 medals and establish himself as the most decorated amateur boxer ever. He would be an idol in Cuba.

He moved to America to make money but did he really make that much?

By moving to USA he lost ties with his family and isn't welcomed in his country anymore.

Other than the Donaire fight he didn't get any other big legacy defining fights. Well, he got this one with Loma but ended up humiliated.

He barely fought in the last years. His resume isn't HoF worthy and he is past it now.

How would Rigo have been viewed in the history of boxing if he stayed amateur and won some more gold medals?

[jri9d0]

Too be honest Rigondeaux really didn't make a lot of money for two reasons, his style of fighting ( which would even bore a sloth) and his poor management.

For some reason these Cuban hopefuls come to the U.S and they partner up with these Cuban managers they run there careers into the hole.

Now I know many are going to jump and say Arum did lead the Rigondeaux banner with promoting him but even Bob couldn't sell Rigondeaux style to the pugilist enthusiasts.

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

If Rigo didn't play his games he would probably have won the 2008 gold medal. Hell, he might as well have gone on to win the 2012 and 2016 medals and establish himself as the most decorated amateur boxer ever. He would be an idol in Cuba.

He moved to America to make money but did he really make that much?

By moving to USA he lost ties with his family and isn't welcomed in his country anymore.

Other than the Donaire fight he didn't get any other big legacy defining fights. Well, he got this one with Loma but ended up humiliated.

He barely fought in the last years. His resume isn't HoF worthy and he is past it now.

How would Rigo have been viewed in the history of boxing if he stayed amateur and won some more gold medals?

If he stayed in Cuba he’d still be living in utter poverty. Of course it was the right decision to defect.

[W1LL]

Guillermo Rigondeaux should have been fast-tracked from the start. Debuted at 28 and done nothing in his first 11 fights.

Names around in those early days:

Celestino Caballero
Johnny Gonzalez
Juan Manuel Lopez
Orlando Salido
Israel Vasquez

He should have chased legacy from the start. The money and fame would have came naturally.

[CubanGuyNYC]

If he stayed in Cuba he’d still be living in utter poverty. Of course it was the right decision to defect.

Bingo. No offense to the OP, but only someone unfamiliar with the Cuban condition would pose such a question. There’s a reason why people risk their lives, and leave their families and way of life behind.

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

Bingo. No offense to the OP, but only someone unfamiliar with the Cuban condition would pose such a question. There’s a reason why people risk their lives, and leave their families and way of life behind.

Exactly man, I read an incredible article about what these guys have to go through in order to make it out a couple of years ago. It’s in some cases modern day slavery and human trafficking.
People assume these guys are heralded as hero’s when they return they are not. Teofilo Stevenson Cuba’s greatest ever fighter IMO essentially lived no different to any other guy in Cuba despite winning 3 gold medals. When Gamboa returned from the Athens Games his reward was a pedal bike.
These guys don’t choose to leave they have to leave to make a living. I may have lost respect for Rigo as a fighter last night but anyone who knows his story will respect him as a man.

[CubanGuyNYC]

Exactly man, I read an incredible article about what these guys have to go through in order to make it out a couple of years ago. It’s in some cases modern day slavery and human trafficking.
People assume these guys are heralded as hero’s when they return they are not. Teofilo Stevenson Cuba’s greatest ever fighter IMO essentially lived no different to any other guy in Cuba despite winning 3 gold medals. When Gamboa returned from the Athens Games his reward was a pedal bike.
These guys don’t choose to leave they have to leave to make a living. I may have lost respect for Rigo as a fighter last night but anyone who knows his story will respect him as a man.

You know it, bro.

[daggum]

no. no one would be better off in cuba. hes in the best country in the world with the best most smartest president ever.

[GorillaDog]

Rigo just needs to join up with Al Haymon. Dats were dah real moneh at.