Teófilo Stevenson Lawrence or Teófilo Stevenson (born March 29, 1952) is a former Cuban boxer who made history in amateur boxing, but who refused to turn professional. Many people consider him to be one of the greatest Olympic boxers in history, alongside László Papp.

Early years

Stevenson was born in Puerto Padre, Cuba.[1] His father Teófilo Stevenson Patterson was an immigrant from Saint Vincent. His mother Dolores Lawrence was a native Cuban, but her parents were immigrants from Anglophone island Saint Kitts. Teófilo senior arrived in Cuba in 1923, finding work wherever he could, before settling in Camagüey with Dolores, where he gave English lessons to top up his meagre earnings. Due to his large size, Teófilo senior was encouraged into boxing by local trainers, fighting seven times before becoming disillusioned by the corrupt payment structure on offer to young fighters.[2]

Teófilo junior was a restless but bright child who at nine years old soon found himself sparring at the makeshift open-air gym his father had frequented.[3][2] Under the tutelage of former national light heavy-weight champion John Herrera, the young Stevenson began his career fighting far more experienced boxers, but according to Herrera, "had what it took". Despite his growing involvement in the sport, Stevenson had yet to tell his mother about his activities. Eventually Teófilo senior broke the news to his wife, who was furious; but she agreed to acquiesce on the proviso that the boy was accompanied by his father
Source : Wikipedia