Cuban Boxers to Take Off Headgear

HAVANA TIMES – Cuban boxers will compete without headgear starting in February, according to the new regulations introduced by the International Amateur Boxing Association, EFE reported.

The first international foray in 2013 under these conditions will be from February 5-10 in Debrecen, Hungary, followed by the Strandja Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria, from March 19-24.

After using headgear for nearly 25 years, the association has moved to exclude the protection in the adult age category.

“The blows will be more dangerous now,” said Rolando Acebal, head trainer of the Cuban national boxing team told the online sports page Jit.