Cuba win first battle with US

OLYMPIC GAMES

Tuesday 23 July 1996 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Boxing

Maikro Romero, striking at the heart of what Fidel Castro calls "the monster", gave first blood to Cuba yesterday by beating the American flyweight Eric Morel, in the first contest between fighters from the two ideological foes at the Atlanta Games.

Romero silenced the home crowd, who reacted predictably with cheers for their man and boos for the visitor, with an overwhelming 24-12 win in the first series of fights in the 51kg division.

Romero was under team orders not to talk to the media, so he was unable to pass any public comment on a victory he based on a blistering start.

That left Morel to explain away his defeat, and he avoided controversy. "I started too slow," he said. "I think the first round cost me the fight. I just didn't do my thing."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in