José Luis Castillo is a Mexican former professional boxer whose career spanned from 1990 to 2014. Renowned for his toughness, relentless pressure, and exceptional body punching, Castillo is widely regarded as one of the finest lightweights of his generation. During his career, he captured the WBC lightweight title twice, reigning from 2000 to 2002 and again from 2004 to 2005, while also holding the prestigious Ring magazine and lineal titles.
Castillo’s aggressive fighting style and endurance made him a fan favorite and a feared opponent in the ring. He is perhaps best remembered for his legendary 2005 bout against Diego Corrales — a brutal, back-and-forth war that ended in dramatic fashion and was named Fight of the Year by both The Ring magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America. Castillo also fought some of the sport’s biggest names, including a highly debated first fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr., which remains one of the most talked-about decisions in modern boxing history.
Over nearly 25 years in the sport, Castillo built a reputation for heart, skill, and unyielding determination, leaving behind a legacy as one of Mexico’s most respected warriors.
