Matanzas. – This Tuesday, around 5 PM, striker Orestes Pedroso made his last fight, at the age of 73. His heart faltered, his fierce rival outside the ring.
The legendary boxer, whose physical strength and constant punch gave him great authority over him ringIt was easy to identify, because for him no adversary questioned his courage. From those who have never “thrown in the towel.”
He became one of the most important names in Cuban boxing after his surprise victory over American Leon Spinks, in the discussion for the gold medal in the light heavyweight division, at the Pan American Games in Mexico (1975). Low on the scoreboard, the man from Matanzas came out in the third round to win at all costs, eventually winning a close duel, even breaking one of his hands.
It was the fight that elevated him, as the American would later become a legend. A year later, Spinks defeated Sixto Soria at the Montreal Olympics, and went on to become world heavyweight champion in professional boxing against none other than the mythical Muhammad Ali. Interestingly, Spinks died last February, at the age of 67, as a victim of prostate cancer.
Another memory best preserved by those who knew Pedroso was his simplicity, the man who never forgot his origins and who enjoyed talking to those who questioned him in the middle of the street.