COLOMBIA: BOXER RELEASED FROM PRISON TO COMPETE IN OLYMPIC GAMES

Описание: (24 Jun 1996) Spanish/Nat

A Venezuelan boxer has been let out of prison to compete in next month's Olympic Games in Atlanta.

Jesus Rafael Guevara - convicted of homicide but now pardoned by the President - served five years of his life in prison sentence in Venezuela.

He's now training in Colombia to represent the Venezuelan team in the heavyweight category.

Freed from jail and now in Colombia, Venezuelan Jesus Rafael Guevara is training hard for his boxing comeback.

The heavy weight fighter will join the Venezuelan boxing team in the Atlanta Olympic Games next month.

Guevara served five years of a life sentence in Venezuela on a homicide conviction.

He was recently pardoned by President Rafael Caldera for good behaviour to participate in the Atlanta Games.

The boxer says he's ready for his new challenge.

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"Well, I'm the kind of person who never loses faith, even though I had obstacles in my life. I'm now completely capable and apt to go back into society."
SUPER CAPTION: Jesus Rafael Guevara, Boxer

He's training in the Colombian capital of Bogota to take advantage of the city's high altitude and to improve his endurance.

Guevara says that apart from his good behaviour he has also contributed to the development of sport in his country.

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"They've taken into account everything I've done for sports in my country. I thank the President of the Republic of Venezuela for me being here. He absolved me of everything."
SUPER CAPTION: Jesus Rafael Guevara, Boxer

Guevara is expected to do well in the heavy weight category, due to his deadly punch.

He fought during his stay in prison.

It remains to be seen whether he's in good enough shape to triumph at the Atlanta games.

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