Cuban boxers defect from Pan American Games – Fidel blames U.S., German mafia

For Cuban boxers Guillermo Rigondeaux and Erislandy Lara, free health care wasn’t enough to keep them in Cuba, as the pair defected from the Cuban team in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during the Pan American Games.

Speaking out against the defection, Cuban Dictator Fidel Castro blamed the U.S., as well as the German mafia.

“In Germany a mafia exists that is dedicated to select, buy and promote Cuban boxers in international competitions. They use fine psychological methods and many millions of dollar,” said Castro.

Rigondeaux, 26, won a gold medal during the Sydney Olympics, and was considered by many to be Cuba’s best fighter.

In December, three other Cuban boxers – Yan Barthelemy, Yuriorkis Gamboa and Odlanier Solis – defected during a tournament in Caracas. They now box professionally in Germany.

During the recent Gold Cup held in the U.S., Cuban soccer players Osvaldo Alonso and Lester More also defected.

–WKW