José Luis Castillo


José Luis Castillo is a Mexican former professional boxer who competed from 1990 to 2014. Generally considered one of the best lightweights of his era, he is a two-time world champion at that weight, having held the WBC title twice, from 2000 to 2002 and 2004 to 2005; and the Ring magazine and lineal titles from 2004 to 2005. Castillo is best known for his 2005 fight against Diego Corrales, for which he received Fight of the Year awards by both The Ring and the Boxing Writers Association of America, as well as his first fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr., which ended with controversial scorecards.

Professional career

Lightweight

Castillo vs. Johnston I & II

In 2000, having two straight wins over Jorge Paez and Steve Quinonez, Castillo challenged WBC lightweight titleholder and Ring No. 1 ranked Lightweight Stevie Johnston. Heavily favored as underdog, Castillo was slated to lose. Instead, Castillo scored the Ring Magazine Upset of the Year, defeating Johnston by a majority decision, in what was a very close fight. Three months later, they fought to a draw, memorable because miscalculation adding the scores led to an original announcement of Johnston regaining his title, which Castillo learned about when Johnston showed up in his dressing room to return the strap.
After fighting Johnston, Castillo defended his title against Ring Top 10 Lightweight, César Bazán. Castillo defeated Bazan by 6th-round TKO, dropping Bazan in the 5th and 6th rounds.

Castillo vs. Mayweather I

In his first bout with undefeated American junior lightweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr., Castillo started slow but gradually lured the flashy boxer into a toe to toe battle. Castillo had great success in the middle rounds, when he cut off the ring and used his strength to try wearing down Mayweather. As the fight progressed, Castillo's power and pressure seemed to turn the fight in his favor, having tremendous success with body punching while Mayweather became more stationary, allowing the stronger Castillo to do significant work. Castillo closed the fight strong, outlanding Mayweather 35-20 in the 11th round and totally dominated the 12th. Punch stats showed Castillo with lopsided totals in every category; punches landed, thrown & power punches landed & thrown and overall connect percentages. Despite the clear advantages numerically, judges Jerry Roth and John Keane scored it 115-111, and judge Anek Hongtongkam scored it 116-111, all for Mayweather, a decision that was loudly booed by the crowd. This can perhaps be explained due to the round isolation scoring system used in boxing favouring Mayweather on this occasion. The HBO announce team loudly voiced its disapproval of the verdict, with unofficial scorer Harold Lederman having Castillo winning 115-111. The fight was controversial enough to the Mayweather team that a rematch was signed.

Castillo vs. Mayweather II

After Mayweather's successful shoulder surgery, Castillo re-matched with Mayweather. Mayweather used his quick footwork, combinations and his jab specialty to coast to another unanimous decision victory, this time with all analysts in agreement, including Harold Lederman. The smaller Mayweather was again outweighed by Castillo on the night of the fight, as Castillo weighed 147 and Mayweather weighed 138.

Castillo vs. Lazcano

On June 5, 2004, Castillo regained the Lightweight title and won the vacant Ring Lightweight title by defeating Ring No. 1 ranked Lightweight, Juan Lazcano. Castillo won the fight by unanimous decision, by the scores of 117-111, 116-112, and 115-113.

Castillo vs. Casamayor

In Castillo's first title defense, he fought former Super Featherweight and future Lightweight champion, Joel Casamayor. In what was a very close fight, Castillo was awarded the close and controversial split decision. The scores were 116-112 and 117-111 for Castillo, and 115-113 for Casamayor. Castillo's next fight was a title defense against Ring Top 10 Lightweight, Julio Díaz, which Castillo won by TKO in the 10th round.

Castillo vs. Corrales I

On May 7, 2005, Castillo fought WBO Lightweight champion and Ring No. 1 ranked Lightweight, Diego Corrales. Corrales defeated José Luis Castillo for the WBC lightweight title via TKO in the tenth round. The fight is almost universally regarded as the best fight of 2005. Both men stood in front of each other, battering each other with hard combinations and power punches throughout the entire fight. Finally, in the tenth round, Castillo knocked Corrales down. Seconds later, Castillo knocked Corrales down again. Once on the ground, Corrales managed to beat the count, and, after a point was taken away for excessive spitting out of the mouthpiece, Corrales connected with a punch that Castillo later called "a perfect right hand." Corrales then trapped Castillo against the ropes and landed numerous punches, causing the referee, Tony Weeks, to stop the fight.

Castillo vs. Corrales II

A rematch between Corrales and Castillo occurred on October 8, 2005. On the day before the fight, Castillo weighed-in 3½ lb over the lightweight limit. Since Castillo did not make the weight, the fight became a non-title bout. The two fighters continued with the same fighting style that they had used in the first fight, trading inside punches throughout the first three rounds. Early in the fourth round, Castillo knocked down Corrales with a left hook to his chin. Corrales wobbled to his feet at the referee's count of ten, causing the fight to end.
Corrales vs. Castillo III, dubbed "The War to Settle the Score," had been scheduled for February 4, 2006, but it was postponed because of a rib injury that Corrales suffered while training. The fight was rescheduled for June 3, 2006. At the weigh-in, however, Corrales weighed the lightweight limit whereas Castillo weighed 139½ lb—causing the fight to be cancelled. Corrales later sued Castillo for punitive damages.

Light welterweight

On January 20, 2007, Castillo won a narrow split decision over Herman Ngoudjo. On June 23, he fought Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas. Castillo was KO'd 2 minutes and 16 seconds into the fourth round by a crunching left hook to the ribs, one of the few times a top ranked boxer of Castillo's caliber has been KO'ed by a bodyshot and reminiscent of the bout between Roy Jones Jr. and Virgil Hill. Prior to the knockout Castillo had been deducted a point for low blows to his opponent.
Castillo was scheduled to fight Timothy Bradley in 2008 for the right to be number 1 contender to the WBC Super lightweight title, but during the weigh-in on March 8, 2008, Castillo weighed 147½ pounds. Bradley instead faced and defeated Junior Witter for the title.

Welterweight

On the Pacquiao vs Clottey undercard on March 14, 2010, Alfonso Gomez and Castillo clashed for Gomez' WBC Continental Americas welterweight title. Ringside reporters have said that the fight was to see if Castillo had it anymore, and for this type of fight such a minor title is nearly an insult. Castillo lost in round 5 by TKO. After the bout Castillo announced his retirement, stating, "I just found out tonight I don't have it anymore, I want to apologize to the public and I am definitely announcing my retirement."
After announcing his retirement in March 2010, Castillo returned to action in a fight against Roberto Valenzuela on June 18, 2010 and won the bout by unanimous decision. The match was held at the Auditorio Municipal in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico

Professional boxing record

No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
80Loss66–13–1 Ruslan ProvodnikovTKO5, 2:09Nov 28, 2014 Luzhniki, Moscow, Russia
79Win66–12–1 José Luis PayanTKO5, 1:13May 30, 2014 Gimnasio Carlos Hernández Carrera, Nogales, Mexico
78Win65–12–1 Felix BojorquezTKO5, 0:53Mar 21, 2014 Gimnasio del Estado, Hermosillo, Mexico
77Loss64–12–1 Antwone SmithUD10Feb 1, 2013 UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
76Win64–11–1 Iván PopocaRTD8, 3:00Jul 13, 2012 UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
75Win63–11–1 Sammy VenturaTKO2, 2:52Nov 26, 2011 Campo Futbol Colosio, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
74Loss62–11–1 Jorge Páez Jr.UD12Mar 25, 2011 Gimnasio de Mexicali, Mexicali, MexicoFor vacant WBC FECARBOX welterweight title
73Win62–10–1 Daniel Eduardo YocupicioTKO2, 1:28Aug 7, 2010 Estadio De Béisbol Héctor Espino, Hermosillo, Mexico
72Win61–10–1 Roberto ValenzuelaUD8Jun 18, 2010 Auditorio Municipal, Tijuana, Mexico
71Loss60–10–1 Alfonso GómezRTD6, 0:10Mar 13, 2010 Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas, U.S.For WBC Continental Americas welterweight title
70Win60–9–1 Carlos UríasTKO2, 2:59Sep 12, 2009 Palenque de Feria, Tepic, Mexico
69Win59–9–1 Christian SolanoTKO3, 1:51Aug 22, 2009 Auditorio Unidad Deportiva, Los Cabos, Mexico
68Win58–9–1 Roberto ValenzuelaKO6, 1:40Jul 25, 2009 Palenque del Recinto Ferial, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
67Win57–9–1 James WaykaTKO2, 1:13Jan 17, 2009 Centro de Espectáculos Promocasa, Mexicali, Mexico
66Loss56–9–1 Sebastián LujánUD10Jul 30, 2008 Sycuan Resort & Casino, El Cajon, California, U.S.
65Win56–8–1 Adan CasillasTKO6, 2:38Oct 27, 2007 Centro de Espectáculos Promocasa, Mexicali, Mexico
64Loss55–8–1 Ricky HattonKO4, 2:16Jun 23, 2007 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.For IBO, The Ring, lineal, and vacant WBC International light welterweight titles
63Win55–7–1 Herman NgoudjoSD12Jan 20, 2007 Paris Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won NABF light welterweight title
62Win54–7–1 Rolando ReyesUD12Feb 4, 2006 Don Haskins Center, El Paso, Texas, U.S.
61Win53–7–1 Diego CorralesKO4, 0:47Oct 8, 2005 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
60Loss52–7–1 Diego CorralesTKO10, 2:06May 7, 2005 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Lost WBC, The Ring, and lineal lightweight titles;
For WBO lightweight title
59Win52–6–1 Julio DíazTKO10, 2:23Mar 5, 2005 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC, The Ring, and lineal lightweight titles
58Win51–6–1 Joel Casamayor12Dec 4, 2004 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC, The Ring, and lineal lightweight titles
57Win50–6–1 Juan LazcanoUD12Jun 5, 2004 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won vacant WBC, The Ring, and lineal lightweight titles
56Win49–6–1 Derrick ParksTKO2, 2:37Feb 13, 2004 Edgewater Hotel and Casino, Laughlin, Nevada, U.S.
55Win48–6–1 Saul DuranTKO8, 1:47Oct 10, 2003 Jacob Brown Auditorium, Brownsville, Texas, U.S.
54Win47–6–1 Gustavo CorralKO5, 0:33Jun 14, 2003 Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, California, U.S.
53Loss46–6–1 Floyd Mayweather Jr.UD12Dec 7, 2002 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.For WBC, The Ring, and lineal lightweight titles
52Win46–5–1 Verdell SmithKO3 Aug 3, 2002 Centro de Usos Múltiples, Hermosillo, Mexico
51Loss45–5–1 Floyd Mayweather Jr.UD12Apr 20, 2002 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Lost WBC lightweight title;
For vacant The Ring and lineal lightweight titles
50Win45–4–1 Juan Angel MaciasTKO8, 1:04Jan 25, 2002 Avi Resort & Casino, Laughlin, Nevada, U.S.
49Win44–4–1 Fred LaddTKO4 Aug 24, 2001 Mexicali, Mexico
48Win43–4–1 Seung-Ho YuhKO1, 1:53Jun 16, 2001 Centro de Usos Múltiples, Hermosillo, MexicoRetained WBC lightweight title
47Win42–4–1 César BazánTKO6, 2:54Jan 20, 2001 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBC lightweight title
46Draw41–4–1 Stevie Johnston12Sep 15, 2000 Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado, U.S.Retained WBC lightweight title
45Win41–4 Stevie Johnston12Jun 17, 2000 The Bicycle Casino, Bell Gardens, California, U.S.Won WBC lightweight title
44Win40–4 Steve QuinonezUD10Apr 8, 2000 Blancas Bazaar, Imperial Beach, California, U.S.
43Win39–4 Jorge PáezTKO5, 1:04Oct 16, 1999 Plaza de Toros Calafia, Mexicali, MexicoWon vacant IBA super featherweight title
42Win38–4 Sandro MarcosKO8 Aug 14, 1999 Guaymas, MexicoWon vacant Mexico super featherweight title
41Win37–4 Cristino Mota3 Jul 10, 1999 Plaza de Toros Calafia, Mexicali, Mexico
40Win36–4 Pablo ValenzuelaKO4 Jun 4, 1999 Palenque del Parque Vicente Guerrero, Mexicali, Mexico
39Win35–4 Julian Romero6Apr 1, 1999 Don Haskins Center, El Paso, Texas, U.S.
38Win34–4 Eduardo MontesKO3 Feb 19, 1999 Palenque del Parque Vicente Guerrero, Mexicali, Mexico
37Loss33–4 Julio AlvarezTKO10 Oct 3, 1998 Mexico City, MexicoFor vacant Mexico super featherweight title
36Win33–3 Julio Sanchez LeonTKO8 Apr 17, 1998 Auditorio del Estado, Mexicali, MexicoRetained Mexico featherweight title
35Win32–3 Hector Javier MarquezTKO10 Sep 12, 1997 Guaymas, MexicoRetained Mexico featherweight title
34Win31–3 Rafael OlveraKO7 Jul 4, 1997 Gimnasio Municipal Josue Neri Santos, Ciudad Juárez, MexicoWon Mexico featherweight title
33Win30–3 Javier RenteriaKO1 Mar 8, 1997 Estadio Arquitecto Ricardo Etcheverry, Mexicali, Mexico
32Win29–3 Jesus CastanedaKO2 Jan 1, 1997 Salón Casa Blanca, Mexicali, MexicoRetained Mexican Pacific Coast super featherweight title
31Win28–3 Jaime FernandezKO1 Dec 13, 1996 Palenque del Parque Vicente Guerrero, Mexicali, MexicoRetained Mexican Pacific Coast super featherweight title
30Win27–3 Roberto ValenzuelaKO6 Oct 12, 1996 Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, California, U.S.
29Win26–3 Jose Luis MontesKO7 Sep 20, 1996 Centro de Espectáculos Rancho Grande, Mexicali, MexicoRetained Mexican Pacific Coast super featherweight title
28Win25–3 Jesus ArceKO1 Aug 15, 1996 Centro de Espectáculos Rancho Grande, Mexicali, MexicoWon vacant Mexican Pacific Coast super featherweight title
27Loss24–3 Javier JaureguiTKO10 May 9, 1996 Guadalajara, MexicoFor Mexico featherweight title
26Win24–2 Carlos MadridKO2 Mar 15, 1996 Palenque del Parque Vicente Guerrero, Mexicali, Mexico
25Win23–2 Cornelio LopezKO4 Dec 8, 1995 Estadio Estrellas Empalmenses, Empalme, Mexico
24Win22–2 Alfredo CurielTKO4 Sep 29, 1995 Centro de Espectáculos Aragon's, Mexicali, Mexico
23Win21–2 Ramon SotoKO3 Apr 7, 1995 Auditorio del Estado, Mexicali, Mexico
22Loss20–2 Javier JaureguiTKO10 Nov 9, 1994 Mexico City, MexicoFor vacant Mexico featherweight title
21Win20–1 Alfredo CurielTKO6Aug 26, 1994 Empalme, Mexico
20Win19–1 Francisco ValdezKO1 Mar 18, 1994 Palenque del Parque Vicente Guerrero, Mexicali, Mexico
19Loss18–1 César SotoTKO2 Jul 9, 1993 Ciudad Juárez, MexicoFor vacant Mexico featherweight title
18Win18–0 Lucilo NolascoTKO2 Apr 30, 1993 Auditorio del Estado, Mexicali, Mexico
17Win17–0 Juan Carlos SalazarTKO1 Mar 5, 1993 Auditorio del Estado, Mexicali, Mexico
16Win16–0 Ascencion LugoTKO3 Dec 11, 1992 Centro de Usos Múltiples, Hermosillo, Mexico
15Win15–0 Francisco Valdez6 Oct 2, 1992 Auditorio del Estado, Mexicali, MexicoTD after Valdez was cut
14Win14–0 Jorge CastroKO2 Sep 4, 1992 Plaza La Cachanilla, Mexicali, Mexico
13Win13–0 Rigoberto FelixKO3 Aug 7, 1992 Plaza La Cachanilla, Mexicali, Mexico
12Win12–0 Ramon AcunaKO2Jun 20, 1992 Empalme, Mexico
11Win11–0 Ramon ArreolaKO3 May 29, 1992 Plaza de Toros Calafia, Mexicali, Mexico
10Win10–0 Cesar HuizarKO1Mar 30, 1992 Tijuana, Mexico
9Win9–0 Ramiro DuntonKO5Nov 22, 1991 Auditorio del Estado, Mexicali, Mexico
8Win8–0 Jose ManjarrezTKO7Sep 6, 1991 Plaza de Toros Calafia, Mexicali, Mexico
7Win7–0 Miguel Angel RamirezKO4Aug 19, 1991 Tijuana, Mexico
6Win6–0 Victor MendozaKO4Apr 8, 1991 Tijuana, Mexico
5Win5–0 Raul Contreras4Mar 21, 1991 Auditorio del Estado, Mexicali, Mexico
4Win4–0 Jesus EscobarKO1 Dec 21, 1990 Gimnasio de la UABC, Mexicali, Mexico
3Win3–0 Jose AlvarezKO2Oct 1, 1990 Tijuana, Mexico
2Win2–0 Manolo RamirezKO2Jun 23, 1990 Empalme, Mexico
1Win1–0 Ricardo Contreras2 May 4, 1990 Auditorio del Estado, Mexicali, MexicoProfessional debut