Ruben Castillo, a beloved figure in boxing who challenged for world titles four times, has died at the age of 68.
Born in Lubbock, Texas, in December 1957, Castillo later called Bakersfield, California home. Over the years, he faced an impressive lineup of sport’s greats, including Juan Laporte, Julio Cesar Chavez, Salvador Sanchez, and Alexis Arguello.
Castillo finished his career with a record of 67 wins, 10 losses, and two draws, and he stepped away from the ring in 1997 after making a third comeback attempt.
Turning professional at 17 in 1975, Castillo rattled off victories to reach 43-0 before moving up in weight and meeting the formidable Arguello.
In a challenge for the WBC junior lightweight title, Arguello halted him in the 11th round. Castillo then won a fight two months later, and a month after that, he challenged Salvador Sanchez for the WBC featherweight title, losing by a 15-round decision.
It took three years to earn another title shot, during which he went 10-1-2, but he eventually faced the elite Laporte and lost a 12-round decision.
A sequence of six wins led to the showdown with Chavez, where the legendary Mexican fighter stopped Castillo in six rounds to claim the WBC featherweight title.
After a few additional bouts, Castillo briefly retired for three years. He returned in 1989 for two fights that culminated in hospitalization from a body punch by Edgar Castro. When he resumed competition in 1995, Castillo fought for two more years with mixed results.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman honored the former four-time world title challenger, expressing sadness at his passing.
“It is with deep sadness that I have learned of the passing of my dear friend and champion Ruben Castillo,” Sulaiman said. “Now he is in the arms of God. May his wife Cindy, family, and friends find comfort in the support of those who loved Ruben.”
