MIAMI, United States. – Pedro Orlando Reyes Ponce, one of the most prominent Cuban boxers and father of baseball player Rudy Reyes, died this Tuesday in Mexico, according to confirmed your child to the digital medium For the Rubber.
Upon hearing the news, the Cuban Sports Institute (INDER) expressed his condolences on the social networkdescribing Reyes Ponce as a “glory of Cuban sports.” In its message, INDER highlighted: “Star of our boxing, he was world champion and second titleholder, and Pan American monarch. “He shone in other level events.” In addition, they noted that “he was working as a technician in Mexico” at the time of his death.
Pedro Orlando Reyes had been battling blood pressure problems in recent years, the note detailed. His colleagues and friends point out that his departure represents the loss of one of the most emblematic figures of Cuban boxing of the 1970s and 1980s.
Born in Camagüey, Reyes Ponce stood out in the flyweight category (up to 51 kg) and is remembered as one of the most brilliant boxers of his generation. His career was marked by numerous achievements that made him a sports icon in Cuba and internationally.
Among his main achievements are six national champion titles and five victories in the Córdova Cardín Tournament, one of the most prestigious amateur boxing tournaments in Cuba. He was also World Cup champion in Italy in 1983 and world champion in Reno in 1986.
Likewise, he was Pan American champion and five times Central American champion; and won gold medals in the 1984 Friendship Tournament, the 1989 Challenger Match and in the Spartaquiadas of the Friendly Armies in 1985 and 1989.
Under the tutelage of the legendary coach Alcides SagarraReyes Ponce was part of the select group of boxers who took Cuba’s name to the top in international competitions. However, sports restrictions on the Island prevented him from competing professionally.
