HOLLYWOOD, FL - July 21, 2016 – (HISPANICIZE WIRE) - At 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 20, eight athletes, one coach and one referee lifted off from Havana's Jose Marti Airport bound for Miami. They represent the Cuban National Kickboxing Team, headed to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. to compete against Team USA Kickboxing on Saturday, July 23 in the resorts ballrooms.

The team was accompanied by Kick International's President Chip Post and one of the U.S. team’s several coaches; along with, South Florida non-profit organization, Construction Angels, working together to make this historic event possible.

This, however, is not the first meeting between these two teams, but rather a historic rematch that first took place in Havana in December of last year. The teams were tied up going into the last match when German Baltazar, fighting for the U.S., turned the tide by getting the win. Now they will collide in the ring for the first time on U.S. soil.

Unfortunately, both Captains for the U.S. have moved on to pro careers. Baltazar, a philosophy graduate from UCLA, has moved on to a pro boxing and kick boxing career and Johncy Lindor, known worldwide for his knockout spinning backfist has moved on to a pro kickboxing career while completing his degree in electrical engineering.

In Cuba there are no professionals, as all players are considered amateurs, but it will be a strong challenge because the Cuban team consists of several National Champions.

Upon landing, Hialeah Gardens’ Adrian Fish restaurant hosted the team for their first meal in the U.S. The Cuban Team will be training, Thursday night 6:00PM at Joe Anon's, Tiger & Crane Karate School, 1550 West 84th Street, bay 23-24, Hialeah, Florida 33014

This event is open to the general public. Several South Florida sponsors will also be in attendance including T&G, USA Equipment, East Coast Metal Structures, Gulfshore Insurance and Construction Angels. A portion of proceeds will benefit Construction Angels, an organization that provides assistance to family members that have suffered a catastrophic injury while working in the construction industry.

This event is open to all ages. For additional information or to purchase tickets visit https://www.ticketriver.com/event/20602. General admission tickets; which exclude the Network event, are on sale for $25.00 go to https://www.ticketriver.com/event/20545.