The energy that heavyweight Julio Cesar La Cruz brings to a boxing gym did not go unnoticed by those observing a national pre-selection training session recently. For several years now, the boxer from Camagüey has earned, on his own merits, the title of captain of the Cuban squad.
Julio César, like any good Cuban, knows how to motivate with humor and point out deficiencies among his teammates when they climb into the ring. But a leader does more, and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic champion understands this.
La Cruz approaches and talks with a boxer who has just lost and is just thinking about the fact that his immediate objectives will not be met. What does he say? Only they know, but the captain's body language communicates higher expectations and greater dedication to the man who, seconds before, has been defeated.
His work routine is intense and constant, he hardly takes a break and, insists that he is totally focused on the Olympic gold in Tokyo, otherwise today he would not be at the Holvein Quesada National Boxing School.
Regarding a question from Granma about his definitive move to the 91 kilogram division, he responded that the not seeing much competition for almost a year has allowed him to make an excellent transition to the new weight class, assimilating all the knowledge and advice the training staff has provided him.
"I have performed three times internationally in the 91 kilos, and have won all three fights, one of them against Rio 2016 silver medalist, Kazakhstan's Vasili Levit. I feel good with the weight; there is no difficulty in imposing my boxing."
Regarding the challenge that Cuban boxing faces in Tokyo, La Cruz was forceful in affirming that he is going to the Japanese capital with a forecast of four Olympic medals, two gold and another pair of bronze, in the competition’s eight divisions.
"We are Cuba’s flagship sport. We are training hard here to make the grade in the first pre-Olympic tournament. We know that the goal is difficult, but never impossible to achieve. We have enough talent to accomplish what we set out to do. For me, these coaches are the best in the world. That's why the bar is set so high.”
The sporting rivalries that exist in various divisions within the national pre-selection team have motivated established figures to redouble their efforts. La Cruz sees this as simply natural, a typical part of an athlete's sporting life.
"There are several youngsters who have a lot of desire to impose themselves. Every one of them is fighting to make their dreams come true. All this is very good for us. Thanks to this rivalry, our boxers have stayed in great condition. This puts us at an advantage over other international opponents.”
Four years ago, Julio Cesar La Cruz arrived in great shape at the Rio de Janeiro Games. He cleared up any doubts as to whether he would be in the same physical condition in 2021.
"I'm going for my gold medal. I'm in the same shape I was back then, when I competed in the 81 kg. In my mind, there is nothing else beyond getting a second Olympic gold. I'm training and preparing to be an Olympic champion.”
Before finishing the interview, La Cruz added that he intends to make it to the 2024 Paris Olympics, as well, in part because of the concentration and rigor he puts into his training.
"Everything will depend on whether I maintain the form that has brought me this far, along with my good results. I have several more goals to achieve. Going to Paris and winning is one that can be achieved. Reality has no size, no color, no price," he said.
