This past Tuesday, the Sports City Coliseum in Havana hosted the solemn farewell for the esteemed Cuban coach Sarbelio Fuentes Rodríguez, a legendary figure in boxing and a mentor to champions, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 85. The iconic venue, a witness to many boxing triumphs on the island, saw the gathering of family, friends, athletes, and officials from the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER), the Cuban Olympic Committee, the Cuban Boxing Federation, and the National Commission of this sport, all there to pay tribute to one of its most distinguished icons.
During the ceremony, national commissioner Robinson Pol delivered heartfelt remarks, highlighting not only Sarbelio Fuentes's athletic accomplishments throughout his career but also his commendable human qualities. "His greatness extended beyond just athletic achievements; it was also rooted in his humble nature, affable character, family values, and integrity, prioritizing the comprehensive development of his trainees and defending Cuba on all fronts," Pol stated, according to digital outlet JIT.
Respect and admiration also poured in from boxing legends. Olympic champions like José Gómez, Armando Martínez, Roniel Iglesias, Arlen López, and Erislandy Álvarez, along with silver medalists such as Lorenzo Aragón and Juan Hernández Sierra, participated in the honor guard beside his ashes, a gesture symbolizing the deep respect held by various generations of boxers.
The Pillar of Cuban Boxing School
Born on October 21, 1939, in Santiago de Cuba, Sarbelio Fuentes dedicated his life to the sport, initially as an athlete and later as a coach. He was a foundational member of the National Boxing School alongside Alcides Sagarra and other esteemed coaches, where his influence became a guiding force for several generations that elevated the island’s name in the global sporting arena.
His coaching career is marked by memorable moments, such as the 2004 Athens Olympics, where his team secured eight medals (5 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze). Fuentes also left his mark on world, Pan American, and Central American championships.
His legacy reached beyond Cuba. In Argentina, where he also worked as a coach, he is fondly remembered for aiding in the achievement of an Olympic medal in Atlanta 1996 and for the impact he had on numerous athletes who still regard him as a mentor.
Earlier this year, Fuentes received a car in recognition of his commitment to his country. Other sports figures who received vehicles included former sprinter Enrique Figuerola and recently retired para-athlete Omara Durand, as well as active coaches and athletes in sports like boxing, wrestling, baseball, and para-athletics.
Sarbelio's death, the cause of which has not been disclosed, adds to the recent passings of other notable figures such as athlete and coach Leandro Félix Civil Jarvis, a celebrated Cuban sports figure and international medalist crucial in training middle-distance runners like Ana Fidelia Quirós and Roberto Hernández.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sarbelio Fuentes's Legacy
Who was Sarbelio Fuentes?
Sarbelio Fuentes was a renowned Cuban boxing coach known for developing numerous champions and contributing significantly to the sport both in Cuba and internationally.
What were Sarbelio Fuentes's major achievements?
His major achievements include guiding the Cuban boxing team to secure eight medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and significantly impacting both national and international boxing circuits during his career.
How is Sarbelio Fuentes remembered outside Cuba?
In Argentina, Sarbelio Fuentes is remembered for his role in helping the country win an Olympic medal in 1996 and for his mentorship to many athletes who continue to hold him in high regard.