Andy Lee meets the Cuban who revolutionised Irish boxing | The Nicolas Cruz Interview

Andy Lee sits down with Nicolas Cruz, the man who thought the fighting Irish some Cuban finesse and played an integral part in Ireland's securing of a gold and silver at the 1992 Olympics.
Cruz returned to Ireland in 1996 to coach Irish fighters, but was stood down when Cuba contested his involvement with the Irish team - which left Cruz in a no-man's-land.
This put him in a dark place - which he explained to us - but he got through that and now works in The Midland’s Prison in Portlaoise, teaching boxing, yoga and Spanish to inmates.
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[@alexgibbons2403]

I was fortunate to be at a seminar with Nicolas in Ballina in 93 or so. He had a aura about him, a very intelligent man. God bless you Nicolas.

[@christophervincent6716]

He's a true gentleman and a great coach, we met in the 90s.

[@carloreilly-dq7bv]

The best boxing brain every to step into the Irish boxing team.

[@ceannasai5731]

Good interview, nice to see Nicolas Cruz getting the air time and Andy Lee in amongst it - no better man to be asking the questions 👊

[@antog123]

Trained with him years back, a real gent and learned alot

[@dxbxxxdddbbb]

Worked in the national arena around 2001 and was shown around by Nicholas , he showed us the attic of the training gym and his rice cooker. I will never forget him saying about the rice cooker.”if you want to invest in life buy one of these”. A true gentleman and an honour to meet. Glad he’s in a good place

[@Tailsreturns2]

Great chat, 2 wise gents. Some boxing country is Cuba

[@sbakernyc5761]

Amazing man... crazy smart too his Spanish accent is almost completely gone and he sounds more Irish tha Spanish now

[@davidkelly7559]

Great trainer

[@williammurphy894]

Fantastic interview

[@Fintanflaherty]

Great story there.

[@jobymich]

Wonderful!!!

[@aquapolusa9549]

Great insights from Nicolas. Thanks for this

[@tommymcguinty9435]

Great insight. Sometimes its greater long term to go 0 and 2 than 12 and 0.

[@aaroni5074]

He's after picking up a bit of a Irish accent

[@petermichaels4856]

great intervie lovely accent

[@stephenobrien5909]

He mentioned Tralee at 10.15. He was there at Tralee BC for a week.

[@stephenobrien5909]

@Emerald Boxing No it wasnt. He was there after being asked to come to Kerry by the county board. He took coaching sessions and generally helped the coaches improve their skills. At that time there were 2 Kerry Boxers who boxed for Ireland.

[@dxbxxxdddbbb]

SPARRED WITH NICKO WHEN I WAS 15. HE JUST JABBED ME EASY FOR 3 ROUNDS.HE TOLD ME THE BEST INVESTMENT IN LIFE IS A RICE COOKER.

[@benk3716]

☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️⭐️😤😤😤