(COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) – USA Boxing has obtained the services
of one of the most decorated Olympic-style boxing trainers in the world to
assist the top amateur boxers in the United States. Cuban trainer Pedro Roque Otano has been named the
International Teaching Coach for USA Boxing and will work with top coaches from
across the United States to aid in preparing U.S. athletes for high-level
international competitions.
“I thank
USA Boxing for giving me the possibility of working with its boxers. I am very
satisfied and happy for this opportunity,” said Roque Otano. “I promise to put
all my national and international experience to the service of the development
of boxing in the United States and to work continuously to achieve medals in all
the World Championships, Pan American Games and Olympic Games in men’s and
women’s boxing.”
With over 40 years of experience on the amateur boxing scene,
Roque Otano has led athletes from multiple nations to medal-winning
performances at every major international event. He boasts 35 Olympic medals,
including 11 gold as well as 43 medals at the World Championships over his
career. In addition to his competition success, Roque Otano holds a doctorate
degree as well as several masters degrees in applied sports sciences. Highly
respected at the international level, Roque Otano has taught Olympic solidarity
classes in more than 20 nations across the globe, helping to raise the
performance of the athletes in key international competitions.
“USA Boxing is fortunate to
have secured the best coach in the world to help lead Team USA back to a
position of prominence,” said Anthony
Bartkowski, USA
Boxing Executive
Director. “His resume includes a large laundry list of successes,
including but
not limited to, AIBA Coach of the Decade.
Yet it does not begin to express or convey his passion, drive, and
dedication to help our athletes and coaches win. He is completely
dedicated to Team USA. The focus of our program must be on high
performance at all elite age groups, and this starts with the expertise
of
Pedro and integrating the personal coaches and athletes. It is
imperative for USA
Boxing to rebuild systematically with the talents Pedro brings to our
program.”
In his role as
International Teaching Coach, Roque Otano will develop the training schedule
for the elite athletes as well as executing the elements of the high
performance plan focused on the development of boxers and coaches. He will
assist in increasing the communication with elite athletes and the integration
of their personal coaches into the international training program.
Roque Otano will work
closely with top coaches across the nation and create a uniform coach
certification program, as well as leading clinics in various areas across the
United States. In addition, he will personally develop additional coach
clinicians to assist in giving clinics throughout the country. Finally, Roque
Otano will develop the top personal coaches in the United States and assist them
in becoming AIBA certified to ensure they are able to work the corners of their
athletes at major international events.
He
will begin the clinics
in September with two seminars in Texas as the lone star state produced
two
members of the 2012 Olympic Team, bronze medalist Marlen Esparza
(Houston, Texas) and quarterfinalist Errol Spence (Desoto, Texas). The
coach
clinics are being planned for Sept. 22-23 in Texas.
Roque Otano will begin work in
his new position effective immediately.
