The WBC announced the passing of former middleweight champion Jorge Castro, who passed away at the age of 59 in Buenos Aires. Wikipedia suggests Castro dies of hypoglycemia. Born on August 18, 1967, in Caleta Olivia, Santa Cruz (Argentina), Castro built one of the most courageous, enduring, and memorable careers in South American boxing history. A relentless and confirmed warrior of the ring, he fought in 144 professional bouts, compiling a now-unthinkable record of 130 victories, 11 losses and 3 draws.

 

Castro's career had some incredible moments: he lost early-1990 title shots to Terry Norris and Roy Jones but garnered the WBA middleweight title in 1994 by defeating Reggie Johnson. Castro defeated Johnson in a rematch and then lost his title to Shinji Takehara. But Castro will always be remembered for one of the greatest turnarounds in boxing history. Castro was in dire straits against John David Jackson. The annoucers were calling for the fight to be stopped due to the punishment absorbed by Castro. Jackson closed in to finish off the wounded and badly cut Castro in round nine when Castro landed a thunderous left that floored Jackson. Castro scored two more knocdowns in short order to complete the stunning comeback. 

 

Later in his career, Castro put on a lot of weight but managed to split two fights with Hall of Famer Roberto Duran and lose 190-pound title fights to Juan Carlos Gomez and Vassily Jirov.

 

Beyond his glory inside the squared ring and the endearing charisma that made him a beloved national idol, “Locomotora” Castro was known for his huge heart outside the ring, dedicating much of his post-retirement life to community work and supporting soup kitchens to help those most in need.

 

Boxingtalk joins the WBC in sending its sympathies to the friends and family of Jorge Castro.