Legendary Cuban boxing coach Alcides Sagarra Carón recently underwent surgery following a hip fracture and is now recovering well. The National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER) announced on their Facebook page that the renowned coach is currently hospitalized at the Fructuoso Rodríguez Orthopedic Hospital in Havana.
Numerous admirers and the general public have wished him a speedy recovery. Sagarra was urgently hospitalized on Monday, just one day after celebrating his 90th birthday, when several active and retired boxers visited him at his home in the Miramar neighborhood, located in the Playa municipality.
A former boxer living nearby informed the portal Cuballama that a prosthesis was placed, and Sagarra is now able to sit up. Prior to this fracture, the acclaimed coach had been dealing with mobility issues and the long-term effects of diabetes, which he has battled for many years.
Another close associate of Sagarra revealed that he never emotionally recovered from his unexpected removal as the head coach of the national team in 2001, a decision made by the then-president of INDER Humberto Rodríguez, which was widely criticized. Just a year earlier, during the Sydney Olympics, the iconic coach had led his athletes to win four gold medals and two bronze medals.
"They told him it was a health issue, but that was just an excuse," the source emphasized.
Born in Santiago de Cuba, Alcides Sagarra is the founder of the Cuban School of Boxing and a prominent figure in the global sports community. He led the national team from its inception in 1964 until 2001, achieving 27 Olympic titles and an additional 48 world championship titles, according to Jit magazine.
Throughout his career, Sagarra trained notable boxing figures such as Teófilo Stevenson, Félix Savón, Ángel Herrera, Emilio Correa, Ariel Hernández, Héctor Vinent, Maikro Romero, and Mario Kindelán, among many others.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alcides Sagarra's Health and Career
In light of Alcides Sagarra's recent surgery and his storied career, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What was the cause of Alcides Sagarra's recent hospitalization?
Alcides Sagarra was hospitalized due to a hip fracture that required surgical intervention.
Where is Alcides Sagarra currently receiving medical treatment?
He is being treated at the Fructuoso Rodríguez Orthopedic Hospital in Havana.
What notable boxers did Alcides Sagarra train during his career?
Sagarra trained several prominent boxers, including Teófilo Stevenson, Félix Savón, Ángel Herrera, and more.
Why was Alcides Sagarra removed as the head coach of the national team in 2001?
The official reason given was health concerns, but many believe it was merely a pretext.