Yordenis Ugás, the renowned Cuban boxer, has expressed profound sorrow over the death of reggaeton artist José Manuel Carbajal, known as El Taiger. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Ugás reminisced about moments shared with the singer and conveyed his sadness over this tragic loss. "Rest in peace, champion," he penned at the beginning of his message, reflecting on El Taiger’s untimely departure.
“Even though you were murdered (we need to catch the culprit now), I feel you leave on your own terms,” Ugás wrote, alluding to the violent attack that claimed El Taiger's life. The boxer included an old video from a birthday celebration, recalling how his son sang and enjoyed time with the reggaeton star. “I want to remember you with the joy you always had,” he added wistfully.
Ugás also reflected on the supportive words El Taiger offered him following his 2021 fight, with the artist praising Ugás for his exemplary conduct. Throughout his tribute, Ugás highlighted the artist's strength and character, especially during his final days in the hospital, describing him as a warrior who fought until the end.
He reminisced about a conversation from months earlier, when he told El Taiger he would "borrow" a video the musician shared about loneliness. El Taiger had responded, "Take it, champion, those who show the most love suffer the most." Ugás concluded his post by acknowledging that El Taiger never overcame the loss of his parents; "fly and reunite with them and be happy again," he stated.
Solidarity in Difficult Times
Days prior, while El Taiger was still hospitalized, Ugás had already shown his support for the reggaeton artist. "It's one thing to have differences in opinion, thought, or behavior, and another to be fighting for one's life in a hospital bed," he remarked, simultaneously criticizing those who sought to create divisions during such a vulnerable time, urging the community to come together to support a young man "fighting for his life."
El Taiger was pronounced dead this Thursday at Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital, leaving an indelible mark on Cuban urban music. After suffering a gunshot wound to the head a week ago, his fans and friends held onto hope for his recovery, but sadly, it wasn't meant to be. At just 37, his passing leaves a significant void in Cuban pop culture, where he is regarded as one of the greats in reggaeton and reparto.
With a message full of respect and affection, Ugás bid farewell to his friend: “You leave behind many fans who will always remember you. Rest in peace, José Manuel Carbajal.”