Boxer Yordenis Ugás has voiced his criticism towards Cuban boxing fans, asserting that they are not inclined to support top fighters. In a message posted on his Facebook profile, Yordenis stated that Cuban fans suffer from a "victim mentality" and questioned their attitude towards their compatriots.
"I don't know if it's communism, I don't know if it's ignorance, I don't know if it's from years of believing the lie that we were the best because of our amateur status, but many verge on being bad fans; it's something so delirious that it drives me crazy sometimes," he said.
The fighter recalled a phrase that has been echoed for many years, saying "Cubans don't win the big one," and emphasized that he has never heard such comments when a Mexican, Filipino, or African American boxer loses.
"The first thing they need to do is be more cautious and humble, saying this or that person is the best without proving it. That's the first thing," he advised.
Recent Defeats of Cuban Boxers
Ugás referred to recent losses by Cuban fighters, such as Frank Sánchez's defeat to German boxer Agit Kabayel on Saturday in Saudi Arabia. "In boxing, the last fight is always the most important. So, if each time a Cuban loses, we have to hear those comments, imagine that. Don't get me wrong, your protest is valid, your disappointment too; but it's one thing to say that, and another to talk joyfully and put up absurd posters," he questioned.
"Today someone happily wrote to me: 'Ugás, Cubans are not made for top fighters.' And I replied: 'And Cuban fans are not made to support top fighters.' That's it," he concluded.
Yordenis has always shown his professional ethics and solidarity with his fellow fighters, whether they are Cuban or from other countries. Recently, he celebrated the victory of his friend and compatriot Erislandy Lara, who retained his 160-pound world title at the Premier Boxing Champions against Australian Michael Zerafa at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. "Congratulations to Erislandy on his great victory. Regardless of age, he is as good and talented as on the first day," he said.
In December, he offered words of encouragement to Robeisy Ramírez after he lost his bout against Mexican Rafael "El Divino" Espinosa for the featherweight title of the World Boxing Organization (WBO).
Ugás began his Facebook post by highlighting his respect and admiration for the two-time Olympic champion from Cienfuegos. "Champion, it was a tough night, but you won more than you lost. This is boxing. This is life. Many of the greatest champions in history are made of victories, but above all, of defeats, of how they react to defeats," he wrote.
"Once you had to start from scratch, not anymore, you are already a champion and that is for life. This will almost certainly be ESPN's fight of the year," he added.
Understanding Yordenis Ugás' Critique of Cuban Boxing Fans
Here are some key questions and answers to better understand the points raised by Yordenis Ugás regarding the support of Cuban boxing fans.
Why does Yordenis Ugás criticize Cuban boxing fans?
Yordenis Ugás believes that Cuban boxing fans suffer from a "victim mentality" and are not supportive of their top fighters. He feels this attitude is detrimental to the morale and performance of Cuban boxers.
What specific issues does Ugás highlight about Cuban fans?
Ugás points out that Cuban fans often make negative comments when Cuban boxers lose, which he finds demoralizing. He also criticizes their lack of humility and tendency to prematurely label fighters as the best without them proving it in the ring.
How does Ugás compare Cuban fans to those of other nationalities?
Ugás notes that he has never heard similar negative comments when a Mexican, Filipino, or African American boxer loses, indicating that Cuban fans might be harsher on their own fighters.
What advice does Ugás give to Cuban boxing fans?
Ugás advises Cuban fans to be more cautious and humble, refraining from prematurely labeling fighters as the best without them proving it. He believes this change in attitude could help improve the support for Cuban boxers.