Renowned Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugás, a former world champion and vocal critic of Cuba's socialist government, has once again taken to social media to call for unity among Cubans in support of political prisoners on the island and against the prevailing dictatorship. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ugás questioned the priorities of the Cuban diaspora in the United States, urging them to organize and highlight the ongoing struggle for human rights in Cuba.
In his message, Ugás pointed out the anticipated large attendance at two upcoming concerts in Miami by Cuban reggaeton artists Kimiko y Yordi and Oniel Bebeshito on December 28, contrasting this with the lack of significant mobilization to support political prisoners in Cuba. "When will Cubans, whether Republican or Democrat, all of us, dress in white and fill stadiums or line the length of Calle Ocho to seriously draw attention and offer moral support, strength for our political prisoners, and continue to demand their freedom?" the boxer challenged.
A Political Fighter Inside and Outside the Ring
Originally from Santiago de Cuba and residing in the United States since 2010, Ugás has consistently opposed the Cuban regime, using his platform as a prominent athlete to speak out against public figures aligned with the government. Just a week ago, he criticized actress Ana de Armas for her relationship with Manuel Anido Cuesta, the stepson of Cuban dictator Miguel Díaz-Canel. Ugás described her actions as lacking empathy for the Cuban people's suffering.
The boxer has also been vocal against other athletes who maintain ideological ties with the regime, such as wrestler Mijaín López. In August, Ugás publicly questioned López's involvement in the state-run program Mesa Redonda, asking, "If politics has nothing to do with sports, what are you doing on that program, which couldn't be more political and misleading?"
Call for Unity and Change
Ugás's appeal aims to raise awareness among exiled Cubans, emphasizing the need for unity and mobilization to bring attention to the plight of political prisoners and the Cuban people. His message is a call for a collective effort that transcends ideological divisions, focusing on the fight for Cuba's freedom. "When it comes to Cuba, we are all Cubans. Wearing white and uniting is not about parties, but about humanity," he stressed.
In February 2024, Ugás condemned the Cuban regime for refusing to grant amnesty to over a thousand political prisoners jailed for participating in the July 11, 2021 protests. In November 2021, he urged Cubans to rise against the dictatorship, warning that failure to do so would result in "being slaves for life." Additionally, in December 2022, he remembered political prisoners during Christmas, calling them "our heroes." Ugás has consistently highlighted the importance of Cuban unity in confronting the regime and advocating for the freedom of those imprisoned for political reasons.