National Boxing

Cuba's national boxing team has won many Olympic medals. It is no wonder that boxing is considered the national sport of Cuba, along with basketball. To see the greats in action, head to Havana's Sala Kid Chocolate. But before they get there, fighters try their hand in tournaments organised by local boxing schools.

The young trainees start training at the age of four or five, before entering the ring at ten. Insecure at first, their spirits rise with the cheers of the fans, and by the end of the fight they are defending the honour of their school with a ferocity worthy of a professional.

But many never make it to the professional ring. The plight of the Cuban people causes the boys to lose patience and enthusiasm for the sport, turning the ring into a street where they try to sell counterfeit cigars to tourists.

Those who stay in the ring usually gain fame, but not money. When their careers are over, they are usually employed as trainers in local boxing schools, teaching young students how to fight and how to be proud of being Cuban.

27.11.2004 - 08.12.2004 - Havana, Cuba