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Javier CastillejoLegendary Spanish boxer
Date of Birth: 22.03.1968
Country:  Spain |
Content:
Biography of Javier Castillejo
Early Life and Amateur CareerJavier Castillejo, the legendary Spanish boxer in the middleweight and super-middleweight divisions, was born in 1968 in Madrid, Spain. He spent most of his life in the small suburb of Parla, where he began his training in a small gym. Castillejo participated in amateur fights for around ten years before making his professional debut in July 1988 against fellow Spaniard Angel Diez.
Professional Career
Castillejo's debut fight against Diez went for six rounds with both fighters standing, and the decision had to be reviewed by the judges to determine the winner. Castillejo emerged victorious, and this win became one of the most significant in his career. In September 1988, Diez demanded a rematch, but Castillejo knocked him down in the fourth round. In his third fight, Castillejo experienced his first knockdown against renowned Spanish athlete Juan Perez. He went on to win four consecutive fights before suffering his first defeat in August 1989 against Del Bryan.
After his first defeat, Castillejo realized that to become a champion, he needed to travel and compete in foreign countries. His first fight in France against Bernard Razzano ended with a knockout victory in the sixth round. Castillejo fought in about ten more bouts before deciding to challenge for a world championship title. He knocked out Russian Ahmed Dottuev in 1998 and on January 29, 1999, faced Keith Mullings for the WBA World Middleweight Title. The fight went the full 12 rounds, and Castillejo emerged as the winner by decision, claiming his first world champion title.
Defending the Title and Final Fights
Castillejo successfully defended his title five times until he faced the legendary Oscar De La Hoya in 2001. The fight was closely contested for all 12 rounds, but a few seconds before the final bell, Castillejo was caught off guard by a powerful right hook from De La Hoya. De La Hoya was declared the victor by knockout, taking the world champion title, and Castillejo was unable to fight for several months. In 2006, Castillejo reclaimed the championship title by knocking out Felix Sturm in the final seconds of the tenth round. At the age of 38, Castillejo became the oldest winner in tournament history.
Unfortunately, he lost his next fight against Mariano Carrera. Castillejo's last fight took place in April 2009 against his fellow Spaniard Pablo Navascues, which ended in a draw after ten rounds. Throughout his career, Castillejo participated in a total of 72 fights, with only 8 ending in defeat.
