The presence in Cuba recently of the Kazakhstan national boxing team provided a great opportunity for these athletes and the Cuban pre-selection team to perfect essential aspects of their preparation for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
These are two of the three national teams with the most consistent results over the last ten years, along with Uzbekistan’s. The Eurasians’ visit to the island is a reflection of their respect for the technical level of the Cuban school of boxing, from which even our most seasoned adversaries know they can learn.
This collaboration gives continuity to the training plan designed by Cuban coaches in September, in the absence of national and international tournaments, due to the risks posed by COVID-19. In the, A great rivalry exists between members of the two teams in the 52, 57, 69, 75 and +91 kilogram divisions, which allows coaches to observe the principal technical shortcomings and strengths of their students in sparring bouts against experienced opponents with impressive endurance and skills in exchanging punches.
In addition, Cuba’s third and fourth ranked fighters, many of whom are under 23 years of age, have the opportunity to improve facing off against opponents who have won Olympic and world medals.
Alberto Puig de la Barca, president of the Cuban Boxing Federation, told Jit that both teams’ coaching staffs have expressed very positive opinions about the training sessions. A mini tournament was held to end the encounter between the two powerhouses that are studying each other carefully, both intent on taking the crown in Tokyo.
(Taken from Granma)