Cuban prospect Alexei Acosta headed to United States

Defected Cuban prospect Alexei Acosta has built up a 9-0 (9 KO) record fighting in Ireland and England, and is now on his way to the United States.

Irish boxing manager Gary Hyde signed Acosta when he defected from his homeland in 2008, and has guided a successful career start. Acosta talked about defecting in a press release sent out today.

"I've always dreamed of becoming world champion as a professional," 2006 Junior World champion Acosta explained in fluent English, "but that that was never going to be possible if I stayed in my native Cuba. The hardest thing for me was leaving my family behind in Cuba, especially my son, Michel. My dream is going to become a reality soon, when I go the United States and win the world title in six or seven more fights."

Hyde says that Acosta could soon join his prize client, Guillermo Rigondeaux, as one of the most sought-after fighters among U.S. promotional firms.

"They have all also expressed interest in signing Acosta," Hyde noted. "I hope to have Alexei fighting alongside Guillermo because this will give him the best possible platform to shine. Alexei is very excited about fighting on the important U.S. circuit. Belfast's Tony Dunlop coaches Alexei, who has punching power in both hands and hasn't been extended more than three rounds in any of his nine pro fights."

Hyde also manages Cuban prospects Mike Perez (heavyweight) and Luis Garcia (super middleweight), and plans to spend more time in the United States. It's quite a stable he's built up for sure, and the imminent arrival of Acosta means that we'll hopefully soon have another exciting young Cuban fighter to watch on our TVs, and regrettably may give Joe Tessitore more chances to endlessly shout, "Communist regime! Communist regime!"