Cuban boxer Rolando Garbey dies at 76 years old

December 19, 2023

The legendary Cuban boxer Rolando Garbey died on December 16 due to two cardiac arrests during the course of peritonitis while he was recovering from a recent operation.

The official press echoed the news, which has shaken the Cuban sports world.

The career of the Santiago native, 76 years old, included the silver medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games and bronze at Montreal 1976, in addition to becoming world champion in 1974, when Cuba hosted the tournament. He also had the honor of being the first three-time Pan American champion of Latin American boxing.

After retiring, Garbey dedicated himself to training other Cuban boxers.

Pain in Cuban sports, which mourns the death of Rolando Garbey, one of the most brilliant exponents of its boxing. From #InderCuba, our condolences to family and friends, with whom we share the sadness of this moment. pic.twitter.com/uRNAHVAy9r
— Osvaldo C. Vento Montiller (@CMontiller) December 17, 2023

The president of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (Inder) said on X that official sports "mourns the death of Rolando Garbey, one of the most brilliant exponents of its boxing. From #InderCuba, our condolences to family and friends, with whom we share the sadness of this moment".

The funeral will take place next Wednesday, according to information from his daughter Margarita Garbey. From the Cuban Olympic Committee and the Cuban Boxing Federation, condolences were also expressed to family and friends.