The remarkable journey of famed Cuban boxer Teófilo Stevenson is set to be portrayed in a cinematic production joining forces between Cuba and Russia, with the screenplay and direction helmed by Alejandro Gil. According to the filmmaker, the movie, entitled "Teófilo," aims to capture the essence of the three-time Olympic and world champion, focusing on his inherently human nature rather than a mere biographical recount.
Spanning approximately two hours, the film will be shot in Havana and Las Tunas, the latter being the birthplace of the heavyweight legend. The final production phase will take place in Russia, commemorating Stevenson's third Olympic gold at the 1980 Moscow Games, marking him as the only amateur boxer to achieve three titles in the same weight category.
The role of Stevenson will be portrayed by Alejandro Phillips, making his cinematic debut. Meanwhile, Kike Quiñones will take on the role of coach Alcides Sagarra. Phillips, currently in his fourth year at the Higher Institute of Art (ISA) in Havana, described the opportunity as both a "challenge" and a "privilege."
"I've had to put in extra effort to emulate Teófilo through continuous training at Havana's Rafael Trejo gym," Phillips stated, as reported by Cubadebate.
Born in 1952 in Delicias, a town in Puerto Padre municipality, Stevenson claimed every title awarded by the International Boxing Association (AIBA). Over two decades, he emerged victorious in 301 of his 321 bouts. His Olympic conquests occurred in Munich 1972, Montreal 1976, and Moscow 1980. Potential further success was thwarted when Cuba abstained from attending the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Games.
Stevenson retired from active sports in 1988, transitioning to roles within the Cuban Boxing Federation as vice president and contributing to the national commission for the welfare of retired and active athletes at the National Institute of Sports and Recreation (INDER). He passed away in 2012 at age 60 from ischemic heart disease.