Boxing icon Ruben Castillo has died at the age of 68, the World Boxing Council has confirmed. The fighter was a prominent figure in the sport during the late 1970s and early 1980s, going toe-to-toe with some of the biggest names in the business, including four world title bouts.
Castillo boasted an outstanding professional career, recording 67 wins, 10 losses and two draws. He remained unbeaten at 43-0 until his bout with Alexis Arguello in 1980, who knocked him out in the 11th round to defend his WBC super featherweight title. The Texan also squared off against Julio Cesar Chavez, Salvador Sanchez and Juan Laporte. Following his death, tributes flooded social media.
“Excellent contender who was so unfortunate to be in the same era as legendary champs like Salvador Sanchez and Alexis Arguello,” one fan posted on X.
“Ruben and Chick Hearn were gold of Fights From The Fabulous Forum broadcasts,” another wrote.
His nephew posted on Facebook: “A great man. Both him and his family were a great part of my childhood.”
“He always gave great advice, would be there when ya needed him. Going to parties at his place, doing golf charity events. He def was the neighbourhood Uncle for a lot of us.”
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
Castillo turned professional at 17 and went on to compile an unbeaten run of 43 bouts. After being stopped by Arguello, he bounced back to winning form just two months later before suffering a points defeat to Sanchez in a challenge for the WBC featherweight title.
Chavez, another legendary fighter from that period, defeated Castillo via sixth-round stoppage for the identical title. After a handful of additional bouts, the Mexican stepped away for three years before making a comeback in 1989 for two contests.
Nevertheless, his return led to him being hospitalised following a body shot from Edgar Castro. He staged another comeback in 1995, competing for a further two years before hanging up his gloves.
Following his boxing days, Castillo worked as a commentator alongside Chick Hearn. He provided fight coverage for ASPN, prior to the network’s rebrand.
WBC president Mauricio Sulamain wrote: “It is with deep sadness that I have learned of the passing of my dear friend and champion Ruben Castillo. 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. Rest in eternal peace.”