We arrived at the stadium for our first round bouts in Guantanamo,with all of our boxers,full of nerves.Australia A and Australia B were placed in the draw and some drew each other for the first round of competition.
We got to the venue early due to the opening ceremonie where we witnessed some great entertainment by Cuban Dancers.All teams walked out and were introduced to the crowd.
We got to the venue early due to the opening ceremonie where we witnessed some great entertainment by Cuban Dancers.All teams walked out and were introduced to the crowd.
On day one of competition we were fortunate enough to win 3 bouts mainly against Indian opponents.
The stand out fights of the first round were Aus "B" Zac Dunn v India 75kg,Cuba1 v Cuba 2 91+kg and Cuba 1 v Cuba 2 81kg.
Zac Dunn was a crowd favourite,he was strong,flamboyant and aggressive and the Cuban locals loved it.What a showmanDunn was, playing up to the crowd at the same time as doing an excellant job on his rival,he was doing dance moves along with statue like poses and entertaining the crowd with his youthfull aggression.
Our stand out on Finals day was without doubt Alexie Muhkin.He had the biggest task of all when he was up against the Cuban 91+ champion who was anything but a crowd favourite after his close yet controversial decision against his countryman in the semi final.
Alexi was a superstar! The crowd cheered him like he was born and bred in Cuba and every punch he threw,the crowd couldnt help but scream and shout for him.Even though Alexi lost the bout,the crowd conitnued to be on his side,this included at the medal presentation where the vocal locals were even louder than in the bout ,when he was awarded his silver medal.
A great effort by everyone involved and I would like to thank all the Cuban Boxing association for making us feel welcome and inviting Australia to this great competition.
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