Site Map | Archives

Home › Sports › Boxing

Chris Cozzone: Castillo keeps eyes on path leading to world title

By Chris Cozzone
Friday, July 27, 2007

related links Related Links
related linksMore Boxing
related linksMOST RECENT TRIB STORIES

related linksTRIB IN THE BLOGOSPHERE*

*Note: The Tribune does not create and is not responsible for the blogosphere's headlines and stories. These links to blogs talking about ABQTrib.com are automatically generated. Use them at your own risk.
STORY TOOLS

SHARE THIS STORY [?]

It's been nearly a year since Martin "El Gallito" Castillo has been a world champion.

But the former super flyweight champion from Mexico City, fighting out of Los Angeles, does not plan to keep it that way for long.

Another world title fight should present itself to Castillo (31-2, 17 KOs) upon his success tonight at Isleta Casino & Resort when the ex-champ takes on former North American Boxing Federation champion Oscar Andrade (36-27-1, 18 KOs).

The 10-round bout at 118 pounds is the main event of a Telefutura-televised card promoted by Top Rank and Prime Time Productions.

"We fought each other a few years ago," recalls Castillo.

"It was a good, hard fight, but since then, we've both gained experience. He's no stepping stone-like. I take him seriously."

Castillo, who in 2000 was working his way up the ladder of contention, won a 10-round unanimous decision over Andrade in Nevada. The win helped pave the way for Castillo's chance at a world title two years later. But in that fight, after a clash of heads rendered opponent Felix Machado unable to continue, Castillo suffered a major setback in his first pro loss. He suffered a close technical decision when the bout was stopped and the judges' scorecards were tallied.

By

Mijares (32-3-2, 13 KOs), of Gomez Palacio, Mexico, was a virtual unknown until April when he scored a major upset and punishing win over Jorge Arce in San Antonio, Texas, for the World Boxing Council version of the super flyweight division. He has since defended the belt.

"Cuts will not be a problem in the future," says Castillo, "but you can never tell what will happen in a fight.

"If it re-opens and I bleed, then I bleed. I will keep on fighting."

Tonight's bout will be Castillo's first televised fight in more than a year.

"(Tonight), I will show the people that I have returned."

Cozzone owns and operates NewMexicoBoxing.com. His column runs Fridays in The Trib. You can reach him at chris@cozzone.com">2004, Castillo got his second chance, capturing the World Boxing Alliance super flyweight title by unanimous decision from Alexander Mu¤oz.

Tribune Reporter

two years later, winning this time by a split verdict. In his next defense, fate dealt Castillo a twisted hand in Japan when he lost his belt to undefeated Nobuo Nashiro (now 9-1, 5 KOs). Castillo was leading on the scorecards, but the fight was stopped on a cut and the TKO win awarded to Nashiro.

"The only reason I lost was he was very lucky," says Castillo. "I want to fight him again, but I prefer Mu¤oz and Cristian Mijares."

A third fight with Mu¤oz (30-2, 27 KOs), whose only two losses are to Castillo, has more meaning this time for Castillo. Mu¤oz handed Nashiro his first defeat, winning by decision in Japan two months ago for Castillo's old belt.

"If I have it my way, I want to beat Mu¤oz again, then take on Mijares in a world title unification.

"I do know that I will be champion again."

Mijares (32-3-2, 13 KOs), of Gomez Palacio, Mexico, was a virtual unknown until April when he scored a major upset and punishing win over Jorge Arce in San Antonio, Texas, for the World Boxing Council version of the super flyweight division. He has since defended the belt.

"Cuts will not be a problem in the future," says Castillo, "but you can never tell what will happen in a fight.

"If it re-opens and I bleed, then I bleed. I will keep on fighting."

Tonight's bout will be Castillo's first televised fight in more than a year.

"(Tonight), I will show the people that I have returned."