Views On The Defecting Cubans

steve689 · Post by **steve689** » 04 Aug 2007, 10:39

As we discussed previously two Cuban stars Rigondeaux and Landa have defected and are currently in Brazil. The two plus a third man were arrested by police presumably for having no passports, Arena Boxing in Germany have already been in touch.

Fidel Castro has accused the pair of being traitors. Is Castro right?

Is his regime to blame for this incident? Why should two men not be allowed as a basic right to leave their own country and choose their own paths? And more importantly for us, will these stellar amateurs make a mark in the pro game if indeed they are allowed to travel to Germany as opposed to being sent home to Cuba? There life wouldn't be much fun if they were sent home!

I'm just interested to hear views on this situation.

EDIT: Sorry i didn't realise Real_Deal has bumped the old post back up with this story

boxingchat · Post by **boxingchat** » 10 Aug 2007, 05:06

You should never betray you country - ever.

Old bones Ian · Post by **Old bones Ian** » 10 Aug 2007, 05:11

boxingchat wrote:You should never betray you country - ever.

You ever lived in poverty? or lived under a dictator? its easy for us to say people should do this or that , when we live in relative luxury.

m1kee50 · Post by **m1kee50** » 10 Aug 2007, 05:11

boxingchat wrote:You should never betray you country - ever.

if the same thing happened here - someone emigrating for a better job or life - that would not be betrayal - we should not regard it as such

Old bones Ian · Post by **Old bones Ian** » 10 Aug 2007, 05:35

This attempted defection will probably stop Cuba sending boxers to international competition for a while, might not see them before the Olympics next year, which will be deemed a safe place for them to go, as China wouldn't accept any defections from the boxers.

Wales · Post by **Wales** » 10 Aug 2007, 06:02

Gutted they didnt make it to Germany. You'd think Arena boxing wouldve gotten them out of Brazil a bit sharpish. Although rumour is they were scared for their families lives.

Old bones Ian · Post by **Old bones Ian** » 10 Aug 2007, 06:14

Didn't help that Rigondeaux and Landa ran up big hotel bills through partying , they couldn't pay them. So the hotel informed the authorities.

Hardhitters11 · Post by **Hardhitters11** » 10 Aug 2007, 06:26

Article in todays Sun:

Fidel Castro may ban Cuba's boxers from the upcoming World Championships and other Olympic qualifierss to prevent them defecting to other nations.

The Dictator, 80, said: "Cuba will not sacrifice one bit of honour, or ideals, for Olypmic Gold medals".

HH

Old bones Ian · Post by **Old bones Ian** » 10 Aug 2007, 06:28

Rigondeaux and Landa boxing careers are also over. Castro has said they will be given jobs, but won't be boxing anymore

Southpaw Stylist · Post by **Southpaw Stylist** » 10 Aug 2007, 06:38

I used to love Cuban boxing, and still do admire the boxers. However, I'm beginning to realise that the romanticism surrounding their attitude to the sport is mere fantasy.

Old bones Ian · Post by **Old bones Ian** » 10 Aug 2007, 07:20

If you get a chance read 'In The Red Corner' by John Duncan

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Corner-Jour ... 735&sr=1-1

boxingchat · Post by **boxingchat** » 10 Aug 2007, 07:29

All right calm down, I was only joking!

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 10 Aug 2007, 07:50

Fidel's an honest man

Hardhitters11 · Post by **Hardhitters11** » 10 Aug 2007, 08:50

Old bones Ian wrote:If you get a chance read 'In The Red Corner' by John Duncan

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Corner-Jour ... 735&sr=1-1

Fantastic book!

Southpaw Stylist · Post by **Southpaw Stylist** » 10 Aug 2007, 09:10

http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=T&ct ... 0QH7mJS5Dw

Seems to be confirmed now that Cuba will not be competing in Chicago.

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 10 Aug 2007, 13:55

Autobarn wrote:Fidel's an honest man

Collins2000 · Post by **Collins2000** » 10 Aug 2007, 17:40

Twisted Transistor wrote:
Autobarn wrote:Fidel's an honest man

Actually, compared to the guy he replaced, Castro IS honest.

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 11 Aug 2007, 06:13

verballistic wrote:
Autobarn wrote:Fidel's an honest man
sure he is!!

if he says you will go to prison for speaking out against his regime, you WILL indeed go to prison!!

Thats happened In most Commie countries.

Yet they have views where you live for your fellow man.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 11 Aug 2007, 10:06

verballistic wrote:
Autobarn wrote:Fidel's an honest man
sure he is!!

if he says you will go to prison for speaking out against his regime, you WILL indeed go to prison!!

that's what I meant!