while others were not
HAVANA TIMES – When the Camagüey-born boxer Julio Cesar La Cruz —the flag bearer of the Cuban delegation to Paris 2024— fell to the Cuban-Azerbaijani Loren Alfonso, more than one of the cheap pro-government patriots that swarm on social media tore their clothes in outrage and once again labeled as robbery what was very clear in the ring.
The fans who love to blame the US embargo for the island’s problems are also quick to blame the judge, the weather, the time change, and even the air conditioning for the defeats of Cuban athletes in any international arena.
Anyone can be blamed, except the dedicated athlete who, despite the “cruel blockade,” resists temptations and “siren songs” and continues to wear the Cuba jersey. There are fewer of them every day, but enough remain to keep dreaming of ambitious aspirations at the Olympic Games.
But this time, the flag bearer was taken down by a compatriot, a man from Pinar del Río who emigrated to Azerbaijan and, through discipline, established himself among the best in a sport very popular in the Eurasian nation.
Of course, the “blows” rained down on him for being an anti-hero and “traitor” until an embrace with La Cruz put him in the spotlight of the Cuban Communist Party press, and a few humble words earned him the applause of President Miguel Diaz-Canel.
“Honest, dignified, and moving statements by Loren Berto, after his points victory over Julio César La Cruz. A respectful emigration from the homeland that formed him deserves recognition. Cuba is also in his triumph, even if it counts for sister Azerbaijan,” wrote Diaz-Canel on this social network.
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