Despite being by far the most successful nation in Olympic boxing history, America's men completely flopped at London 2012 as they failed to win a medal and only the women from the United States managed to help the country save face with middleweight Claressa Shields claiming gold and flyweight Marlen Esparza taking bronze.

However, the appointment of Roque Otano (pictured top) to the role of international teaching coach at USA Boxing appears a clear move to rectify the situation, with the 61-year-old Cuban now set to work with top coaches from across the country to aid them in preparing American athletes for high-level international competitions.

"I thank USA Boxing for giving me the possibility of working with its boxers and 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 in amateur boxing, Roque Otano has led athletes from multiple nations to medal-winning performances at every major international event.

He boasts 35 Olympic medals, including 11 golds, as well as 43 medals at the World Championships over his career.

In addition, Roque Otano holds a doctorate degree as well as several masters' degrees in applied sports sciences, and has taught Olympic Solidarity classes in more than 20 nations across the globe, helping to raise the performance of athletes in key international competitions.

Claressa Shields (right) claimed the London 2012 women's middleweight gold medal

"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 USA Boxing executive director Anthony Bartkowski.

"His resume includes a large laundry list of successes, including but not limited to, International Boxing Association (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 programme 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 programme."

In his new role, which begins with immediate effect, Roque Otano will develop the training schedule for the elite athletes as well as the high performance plan focused on the development of boxers and coaches.

He will also work closely with top coaches across the nation, create a uniform coach certification programme and assist top personal coaches in becoming AIBA certified to ensure they are able to work the corners of their athletes at major international events.

He will also lead special clinics in various areas across the United States.

His first clinic will begin this month on September 22 and 23 in Texas as they produced two members of the 2012 Olympic Team in female bronze medallist Esparza and male quarter-finalist Errol Spence.

Should his first year prove successful, the Cuban could help the United States transition to a new era of professional boxing with AIBA set to remove headguards and change the points scoring format for judges in time for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

The move towards professionalism will begin next year with the launch of AIBA Professional Boxing at the end of 2013.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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