Scroll through the timeline below to learn more about the Cuban boxers who left their homeland to pursue professional boxing abroad. Click on the “+” signs to see a detailed description about how each boxer fared after defecting. Make sure to watch the WIDE ANGLE interview with Cuban boxing promoter Luis de Cubas at the end of the timeline.

Glossary
WBA: World Boxing Association
WBO: World Boxing Organization
IBA: International Boxing Association
NABO: North American Boxing Association
Technical Knockout: A technical knockout (TKO) occurs when the referee stops a fight because a boxer is unable to defend himself or is badly bruised or cut.
Flyweight: 112 lbs
Bantamweight: 118 lbs
Featherweight: 126 lbs
Lightweight: 135 lbs
Welterweight: 147 lbs
Middleweight: 160 lbs
Light Heavyweight: 175 lbs
Heavyweight: 200 lbs