All provinces are searching for talented athletes and working with trainers and grass-root activists to continue with the Island´s achievements, Teofilo Stevenson asserted.

According to the prominent boxer, the local Playa Giron Tournament to be hosted by the western province of Pinar del Rio from January 23 to 30, would allow to measure the work of Cuban trainers.

The Playa Giron constitutes the start of preparations for the Beijing 2008 Olympics and the World Championships in Mianyang, China, November 5-13.

"Best boxers should keep in great shape because many youths seek to prove their quality at the Playa Giron," noted the multi-medallist at Pan American Games.

On heavyweight fighter Michel Lopez, Stevenson said he was making strides, and there were other young athletes who look very promising.

"Training a heavyweight is pretty hard. You should search for tall men and train them from smaller divisions. For instance, I was a 71 kg boxer before becoming a heavyweight," he added.

Stevenson stated the possible change of World and Olympic 91 kg champion Odlanier Solis to the +91 kg division may prove worthwhile, as past cases such as Enrique Regüeiferos, Andres Molina and Emilio Correa.

By: Prensa-Latina