RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Robeisy Ramirez flummoxed his opponent for three Olympic rounds, landing precise punches and nimbly avoiding trouble. From bell to bell, the gold medalist showcased the same spectacular skills common to so many fighters from Cuba's matchless boxing institution over the previous half-century.
Ramirez then waved and pumped his fist at the cheering crowd before holding a long, gracious conversation with reporters from all countries.
That second part is, well, revolutionary.
The new generation of Cuban Olympic boxers in the Rio de Janeiro ring shares much with its glorious predecessors, from superb athletic talent to peerless technique.