Why did Andy Cruz leave Cuba? Unpacking the events behind the boxer's departure from his home country

Andy Cruz had a decorated career as an amateur boxer, including winning multiple gold medals on the international stage. His most notable moment came in the 2020 Olympics when he defeated Keyshawn Davis to take home the lightweight gold medal.

'Diamante', who turned 26 years old just days after taking home the Olympic gold, signed with Matchroom Boxing less than two years later to embark on a professional career. He finished his amateur boxing career with an impressive record of 140-9.

Since making his professional debut in July 2023, Cruz has gone 5-0 with two knockouts, managing to capture the IBF International and WBA Continental Latin-American lightweight titles. He is set to make his return to the ring this weekend as he faces Hironori Mishiro in an IBF lightweight title eliminator bout at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The winner of the bout will have the opportunity to challenge Raymond Muratalla for the IBF title after he was promoted to undisputed champion following the retirement of Vasiliy Lomachenko. Here's a look at why Cruz left his home country of Cuba.

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Why did Andy Cruz leave Cuba?

Andy Cruz, like many athletes before him, defected from Cuba to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional boxer. Ring Magazine shared the news on X, then known as Twitter, in 2022, posting:

"Olympic gold medallist and three-time World Championship gold medallist Andy Cruz has reportedly defected from Cuba, leaving the country in order to become a professional boxer in the near future. [According to @BoxeoCubanoCom]"

Check out the post from Ring Magazine below:

While Cuban boxers have often found success in the amateur scene, they had long been unable to turn professional unless they defect from the nation. In 1962, then-leader Fidel Castro banned professional boxing as he labeled the sport as corrupt.

Athletes are often forced to sneak away at international events, which typically leads to severed ties with their home nation. Cruz's first attempt to defect was reportedly unsuccessful as the Cuban Boxing Federation released a statement that they were considering the proper discipline.

While he claimed that he left the country legally, Cruz was expelled from the Cuban boxing system. He later made his way to Miami and has since began his professional career. 'Diamante' is looking to become the latest boxer from Cuba to make a successful transition from Olympic medalist to champion.