Boxer Yordenis Ugás extended his congratulations to Cuban coach Raúl Fernández Liranza, who led the Chinese women's boxing team to a remarkable achievement at the Paris Olympics, securing five medals. Ugás praised Raúl as the best amateur boxing coach Cuba ever had.
"I remember when he was unjustly removed from the team in 2007. I don't know if he remembers, but I supported him throughout that tough period and even went to his house to offer my support," Ugás shared on his Facebook page.
The esteemed technical trainer, who retired in Cuba in 2018, is currently on an official mission in China. Under his guidance, his athletes earned three gold and two silver medals in Paris.
Historical Rebellion
Yordenis recalled a "story of rebellion" involving Raúl back in 2009 during the Playa Girón tournament in Guantánamo, where he insisted on having Raúl on his team.
"In the team, you had your personal coach, and they would assign an assistant for the corner. My coach was the late Mena, and Piter assigned Garbey as my assistant. I erased Garbey's name and put Raúl's. And yes, he worked with me and Mena for all five fights," Ugás detailed.
"I won my fifth consecutive Playa Girón. My fourth fight was against Iglesia, and I was named the best fighter of the tournament. Months later, I won the Alba and requested a discharge. Tremendous. Much respect to Raúl, a great man and an outstanding coach," he emphasized.
Fernández Liranza was responsible for training numerous boxers over many years, alongside the renowned professor Alcides Sagarra. After retiring, he was hired in China and assigned to the province of Henan, which was ranked low nationally. Eleven months later, his team achieved first place in the Chinese National Boxing Championship, an unprecedented feat.
At that time, he stated that the victory was "a result of the Cuban school, with which I worked for 37 years and to which I owe all my results."
Raúl Fernández also provided consultancy in the Philippines, where he trained the Velasco brothers, Onyo and Roel Velasco, who became Olympic and world medalists, respectively.
Raúl Fernández Liranza's Impact on Boxing
Raúl Fernández Liranza's contributions to boxing have been significant, both in Cuba and internationally. Below are some frequently asked questions about his career and achievements.
What achievements did Raúl Fernández Liranza have with the Chinese women's boxing team?
Under Raúl Fernández Liranza's leadership, the Chinese women's boxing team won three gold and two silver medals at the Paris Olympics.
Why did Yordenis Ugás consider Raúl Fernández Liranza the best amateur boxing coach in Cuba?
Yordenis Ugás valued Raúl Fernández Liranza as the best amateur boxing coach in Cuba due to his extensive experience and success in training numerous talented boxers, as well as his personal support during difficult times.
What was Raúl Fernández Liranza's role in the Philippines?
Raúl Fernández Liranza served as a consultant in the Philippines, where he trained the Velasco brothers, Onyo and Roel Velasco, helping them become Olympic and world medalists.