Ruben Castillo obit

Much loved Ruben Castillo passes away, aged 68

 

He was not on the list.

Former four-time world title challenger Ruben Castillo has passed away.

 

Born in Lubbock, Texas, in December 1957, Castillo made his home in Bakersfield, California, and he fought a string of boxing greats, including Juan Laporte, Julio Cesar Chavez, Salvador Sanchez, and Alexis Arguello.

He retired with 67 wins against 10 losses and two draws, eventually retiring in 1997 after a third comeback attempt.

Castillo turned pro, aged 17, in 1975 and went all the way to 43-0 before moving up in weight and running into the brilliant Nicaraguan Arguello.

He was stopped in the 11th by the dynamite-fisted Arguello in a challenge for the WBC’s junior lightweight title, won a fight two months later and a month after that, lost to Sanchez for the WBC’s featherweight title via 15-round decision.

It took him three years to get another title fight, during which time he went 10-1-2 but he then ran into the superb Laporte and lost a 12-round decision.

Six wins later came the Chavez bout, and the great Mexican – one of the best fighters of all time – stopped Castillo in six for the WBC’s featherweight title.

The popular Castillo boxed a couple more times but retired for three years. He came back in 1989 for two fights which ended with him hospitalised from a body punch by Edgar Castro, and when he returned in 1995, Castillo boxed for two years with mixed results.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman paid tribute to the fine former four-time world title challenger.

“It is with deep sadness that I have learned of the passing of my dear friend and champion Ruben Castillo,” wrote Sulaiman of the 68-year-old's passing.

“Now he is in the arms of God. May his wife Cindy, family and friends find comfort with the support of the so many who loved Ruben.”