The boxing world is in mourning following a devastating loss on Wednesday. Ruben Castillo was a big name in the sport, fighting in the Lightweight, Super Featherweight and Featherweight divisions.
Over his lengthy career in the ring, he had several high-profile fights with Hall of Fame boxers like Julio César Chávez, Salvador Sánchez, Alexis Argüello and Juan Laporte, to name a few. Famously known as the Conquistador, Ruben was among the fiercest fighters in the 1970s and early 80s. He evidently had difficulty walking away from the sport. Ruben was 68.
The four-time world title contender died after a battle with cancer
Sadly, Ruben took his final breath on Wednesday, surrounded by family. The longtime boxer had been dealing with cancer. Upon hearing this news, Mauricio Sulaimán, the President of the World Boxing Council (WBC), paid tribute to him. In a video submitted on his X account, Mauricio called him “a wonderful man.” He went on to share that Ruben was an “unbelievable friend,” while concluding with “we will always remember Ruben Castillo, may he rest in peace.”
The Conquistador made an immediate impact in the sport of boxing. His pro career began with a resounding fourth round knock victory over Frank Castro in 1985. He retired from the sport multiple times, only to come back to fight on three separate occasions.
A big name in the boxing world today is Anthony Joshua, who, like Ruben, has had several high-profile bouts. Last year, he battled Jake Paul in a fight that the Brit said afterwards was not “the best performance.” Anthony wound up knocking Jake out in the sixth round.
Ruben had 79 bouts in his career and finished with a record of 67 wins, 10 losses and 2 draws, with 37 of his victories coming by way of knockout. His final bout took place in 1997, when he lost to Rudy Zavala via a knockout in the third round.
Outside of boxing, Ruben also served as a commentator alongside the iconic Chick Hearn at ASPN. He also appeared in the 1988 film Fists of Steel. Ruben had six children, one of whom, Misty, died on her 37th birthday. Ruben also leaves behind his wife, Cindy.
TELL US – WHAT WAS RUBEN CASTILLO’S FINEST MOMENT IN THE BOXING RING?
