When a Cuban promoter went to Spain in search for fighters the scrawny kid signed up and headed for adventure in Havana. He fell in love with the sunlight of the tropics and the warmth of a nation that adopted him until soon they did not see him as a foreign fighter, but as a local hero, one of their own. He was one of the top fighters in the Caribbean, respected for his heart, stamina and skill. And he became a Cuban, residing in the Island for over three decades, raising a family, continuing in the fight game as a trainer. As I drove home after the party I thought of all the forgotten heroes and good fighters I have seen, met, or that came to life in the anecdotes of relatives and old timers.
Fighters are unique.
I have known hundreds, including ego maniacs, criminals or just plain guys who were trying to achieve a goal or prove something that even they themselves could not grasp. Everyone talks of the dramatic moments. Dempsey climbing back in the ring to batter Firpo or Hearns and Hagler throwing leather at each other in brutal savagery. Yet, beyond the immortals, beyond the famous, I tend to see a poignant moment in every fight in every arena, as contestants impose their will and test their endurance. Every fighter is constantly involved in individual catharsis for boxing is the ultimate performance art.