Castillo rules the roost!

December 19, 2004

By Ralph Gonzalez
Photo: Luis Gonzalez

Newly crowned WBA Super Flyweight champ Martin “Gallo” Castillo 27-1, (16 KO’s) is still feeling the buzz after pulling off a brilliant performance against murderous Venezuelan puncher Alexander Munoz and taking his title. “This is what I worked for all my life. I’m ready for anyone out there. Montiel, Perez, I’ll even come up one division and take on Rafael Marquez,” said the likeable 27 year old out of Mexico City. Unfortunately for Castillo few people got to see his almost-perfect performance since most fighters in the lighter weight divisions are usually relegated to Spanish television networks that aren’t available in some areas.

Castillo’s only loss was a questionable one at the hands of another Venezuelan Felix Machado in 2002 via technical decision after a non-threatening gash opened up on the top of his head and the referee abruptly stopped the contest. “I still consider Martin undefeated. Everyone who saw the fight including the media thought Martin was winning and it shouldn’t have been stopped in the first place,” says Castillo’s manager Frank Espinoza who doesn’t mince words.

The fight versus Munoz who came in with a remarkable record of 25-0 (24 KO’s) took place as the main event of a Telefutura show broadcasting from Laredo, Texas. It turned out to be a showcase for Castillo who used excellent counter punching, footwork and a hard jab to stop Munoz’s oncoming onslaughts. “The jab was the key. I knew if I threw it out there he wouldn’t be able to come in like he wanted to,” said Castillo. Munoz whose nickname is “El Explosivo” was dropped twice and took a beating at the hands of Castillo as the decision went to the Mexican by scores of 117-109 (twice) and 116-110. “As every round passed I felt the fight was mine more and more. It was a matter of following my corner’s instructions as the rounds came and went,” added Castillo.

Castillo had taken the so called WBA “interim” title after defeating Hideyasu Ishihara in Japan by scoring a knockout in the 11th round of a very tight fight. “El Gallo” had stepped in as a replacement for Munoz who was supposed to have defended against the Japanese contender but claimed an injury. Ishihara’s manager was at the Castillo-Munoz clash watching with much interest since his charge is slated to fight Castillo once again in Japan for a return bout in early 2005. “I don’t care if I have to go fight in Japan. I’d rather fight in California but my job is to fight, not to promote or manage,” said Castillo of his upcoming engagement.

“I was so proud. What a complete fighter this kid is. He’s got everything,” remembers Espinoza thinking after “El Gallo” dropped Munoz with a three punch combination in the fourth round. “After that I knew Martin was the better and stronger fighter. I knew he would take the title home with him.” Espinoza also manages IBF Super Bantamweight champ Israel Vazquez and lightweight contender Miguel Angel Huerta.

Castillo’s win brought him immense satisfaction after having waited so long to meet up with Munoz due to a couple of cancellations by the now ex-champ. “The fight was two years in the making and I was frustrated but I felt like finally my objective was accomplished. It was an incredible feeling. I enjoyed every second of the fight. Every punch I landed, every time I slipped a punch.”

“The Rooster” as his name translates is now in a position that he feels will garner him the respect and ultimately the chance for bigger purses that has eluded him in the past. “Now it’s my turn to be on top. Each fighter I face has to earn their spot. Talk is just talk. Let’s face each other and find out who really is the best.”

With Fernando Montiel, Luis Perez and Ivan Hernandez in the mix there is no doubt that the possibility for some interesting matches exist. Even more interesting for Castillo would be a move up in weight to go up against another murderous puncher in IBF bantamweight champ and Top Rank stable mate Rafael Marquez. “Why not?” says Castillo, “At this point anything’s possible and I would love to test myself at that level. For now I just want to relax and enjoy the holidays with my wife and new son.”

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