Douglas Rodríguez Guardiola

Former boxer with outstanding performances in the 51 and 54 kilogram divisions, Olympic medalist and world champion, participant in the Central American and Caribbean championship.

He was not the best boxer graduated from the Cuban boxing school. He was not even among those who hit with the greatest force. But when talking about skilled boxers, those who come out to fight from bell to bell in a square meter of canvas, no one can omit this name: Douglas Rodríguez Guardiola.

He was born in Santiago de Cuba, located in the eastern region of Cuba. He was introduced to boxing by Carlos Manuel Maney Kelly. He became known internationally in 1970, participating in several Giraldo Córdova Cardín Tournaments, as well as in events in Europe.

He attended the Munich 1972 Olympic Games in Germany. In 1973 he participated in the Central American and Caribbean Championship and the following year, he competed in the First World Amateur Boxing Championship held in Havana.

He began practicing boxing in Santiago de Cuba, under the teachings of Carlos Manuel Nelly, standing out quickly alongside Manuel Álvarez.

In 1969 he wins for the first time in the Giraldo Córdova Cardín Tournament, prevailing in the final fight against fellow Cuban Alfredo Pérez.

In 1970 he joins the national team, that year he represents Cuba in the Central American and Caribbean Championship held in Havana, where he triumphs in the 51 kilogram division, defeating Puerto Rican Heriberto Olivares in the final.

Later he wins a bronze medal in the International Giraldo Córdova Cardín Tournament, also held in Havana, where he is defeated by Venezuelan Alfredo Pérez.

He wins a bronze medal in the Cali 1971 Pan American Games in Colombia, an event where he loses to Venezuelan Francisco Rodríguez. That year he is a silver medalist in the Cardín, where he loses to Orlando Martínez.

In 1972 he conquers the national title in the Playa Girón National Boxing Championship. That year he defeats Jan Benko in the bilateral bout against Czechoslovakia held in Usti.

In July he triumphs in the Giraldo Córdova Cardín held in Havana, where he defeats fellow Cuban Ramón Pérez, now in the 54 kilogram division. Between September and August he participates in the Olympic Games held in Munich, Germany; in this event, he debuts with a 5-0 victory over Ecuadorian Jorge Mejia, then defeats Japanese Fujio Nagai (5-0), in the quarterfinal he defeats Romanian Constantin Gruiescu 3-2 and loses in the semifinal to Ugandan Leo Rwabwogo 3-2.

In 1973 he wins a gold medal in the Giraldo Córdova Cardín held in Camagüey, where he defeats fellow Cuban Marcelino Guzmán in the final fight.

That year he wins a silver medal in the Central American and Caribbean Amateur Boxing Championship held in Mexico City, defeated in the final fight by Venezuelan Alfredo Pérez by a 3-2 verdict.

In 1974 he competes in the First World Amateur Boxing Championship held in Havana, where he debuts with a victory over German Klaus Gertenbach, then defeats Polish Leszek Borkowski, defeating Soviet Vladislav Zasypko in the semifinals; in the title bout, he defeats Venezuelan Alfredo Pérez by a 4-1 verdict.

That year is completed with the triumph in the Giraldo Córdova Cardín Tournament held in Camagüey, where he defeats Habanero Ramón Duvalón.

In the 1974 World Championship, Yugoslav Mate Pavlov impressed with the force of his punch and Soviet Vasily Solomin with refined technique, in the chapter of bravery in the ring, the palm went to Cuban Douglas Rodríguez.

The small fighter in the 51 kilogram division injured his right hand in the first round, he could barely move it. His boxing style was that of the classic shooter, always at close range and engaged in constant exchanges of blows.

Because of the injury to his main hand and the quality of the upcoming opponents, no one counted on him, not even for a medal, but the experts were wrong, by force of courage and willpower he conquered the world title.
Douglas's feat, his great lesson in manhood, was having to decide his last three fights with his right hand injured. He, aggressive as anyone, a lover like few others of close range and constant exchange, had to go through an unparalleled ordeal to reach the gold.

Douglas won 67 fights and bravely lost 17 in the ring.

He died at the age of 61 as a victim of cardiac arrest.