Roberto Balado

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameRoberto•Balado Méndez
Used nameRoberto•Balado
Nick/petnamesEl Rey
Born15 February 1969 in Jovellanos, Matanzas (CUB)
Died2 July 1994 in La Habana (Havana), Ciudad de La Habana (CUB)
Measurements171 cm / 91 kg
NOC Cuba
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

A relatively small super-heavyweight by modern standards, Roberto Balado was as fast and agile as fighters in much lower weight divisions. Although he was World Junior Champion in 1987 he was initially overshadowed in Cuba by Leonardo Martinez but when Martinez was injured before the 1991 world championships Balado inherited his place and went on to win the gold medal. He was defeated in the 1990 Goodwill Games in Seattle but won every other major tournament he entered including three world titles and Pan-American Games gold in 1991. Roberto was considered by many to have a strong chance of equalling compatriot Teofilio Stevenson’s three Olympic gold in the highest weight category but on the morning of June 2nd, 1994 he was fatally injured when his car was struck by a train at a railway crossing.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1992 Summer Olympics Boxing CUB Roberto Balado
Super-Heavyweight, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold

Special Notes