I found this-
Saturday, July 10, 2004 7:54 PM
Cubans eye 8 boxing golds in Athens
HAVANA - Retired Cuban boxing great Felix Savon on Friday predicted victory for his compatriots at the Athens Games, where they face a difficult challenge against the Russians.
“We will keep the overall Olympic title for the country,” Savon said. “If they need 10 hits, we’ll give them 20.”
The 35-year-old fighter retired from competition in 2000 after winning his third straight Olympic heavyweight medal, and still feels nostalgia for the ring.
“Watching the guys getting ready makes me envious. I’d like to get in the ring,” Savon said.
Cuba is sending fighters in all 11 weight categories to Athens next month, just as is Russia, which beat Cuba in overall medals won at the world boxing championship last year. Savon, known for his devastating right punch and his mobility in the ring, showed confidence in his successor as the island’s top heavyweight fighter, Odlanier Solis.
“Solis is preparing well,” said Savon, now a boxing coach. “We are going to win in eight of the 11 divisions.”
Along with compatriot and fellow three-time Olympic champion Teofilo Stevenson, Savon said he doesn’t regret turning down numerous offers to fight professionally. Communist Cuba rejects the concept of professional sports, and athletes are encouraged to embrace the ideal of amateur competition.
“The recognition and love of my people are my greatest rewards,” Savon said.
In Athens, Mario Kindelan, 32, hopes for a second straight Olympic title in the lightweight class (60 kg-132 lb); and Guillermo Rigondeaux, 24, will seek a second gold medal in the bantamweight class (54 kg-119 lb).
Lorenzo Aragon, world champion in the welterweight class (67 kg-147 lb) will be fighting for his first Olympic medal.