Ruben Castillo was one of the best boxers in the world in the late 1970s and early 1980s and he has died at the age of 68
08:49, 26 Feb 2026Updated 09:02, 26 Feb 2026
Julio Cesar Chavez throws a punch against Ruben Castillo (left)(Image: 2013 The Ring Magazine)
Boxing great Ruben Castillo has passed away at the age of 68, as announced by the World Boxing Council. The Mexican was a pivotal figure in the sport during the late 1970s and early 1980s, squaring off against some of the biggest names.
Castillo had an impressive professional career, boasting a record of 67 victories, 10 defeats and two draws. He maintained a 43-0 streak until his bout with Alexis Arguello in 1980, who knocked him out in the 11th round to retain his WBC super featherweight title.
The Texan also stepped into the ring with Julio Cesar Chavez, Salvador Sanchez and Juan Laporte. Following his passing, tributes have 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 penned on X.
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“Ruben and Chick Hearn were gold of Fights From The Fabulous Forum broadcasts,” another commented. His nephew posted on Facebook: “A great man. Both him and his family were a great part of my childhood,” he said.
“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 alot of us.”
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.”
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Castillo turned professional aged 17 and proceeded to remain unbeaten for 43 contests. Following his defeat to Arguello, he bounced back to victory just two months later before suffering a points loss to Sanchez for the WBC featherweight crown.
Chavez, another boxing legend from that period, halted Castillo in the sixth round for the same title. After a couple of additional bouts, the Mexican stepped away for three years before making a comeback in 1989 for two contests.
However, his ring return led to hospitalisation following a body shot from Edgar Castro. He staged another comeback in 1995 for two more years before calling time on his career.
Following his boxing days, Castillo worked as a commentator alongside Chick Hearn. He also provided fight commentary for ASPN, prior to the channel’s rebrand.