Starling Castillo has rebuilt himself since a sudden and surprising loss on ShoBox: The Next Generation in 2022.
The super lightweight will step up once again to fight Jesus Saracho on March 27 on the latest Wednesday Night Fights on ProBox TV.
Castillo’s (18-1-1, 13 KOs) loss to Otar Eranosyan was a time to rebuild and reflect as a prizefighter. He recruited a new trainer – Bob Santos. No fighter likes to lose, but his loss triggered a change.
“A lot has changed since that loss on ShoBox,” Castillo told BoxingScene.
“I have a new trainer in Bob Santos who has many great fighters under his guidance, and the atmosphere in the gym is very competitive. In addition, my mindset is different. After suffering defeat for the first time, one must dig deep in their soul to come back, and that is what I have done. I’ve trained hard this camp, and a win will erase that loss”
Castillo, 28, is perhaps entering his prime as a fighter. Saracho (13-1-1, 11 KOs) is 22. Castillo has to make his move to the top of a division with a lot of big names. A loss would be overwhelming. It would force him into a position to have to challenge younger fighters to regain momentum to return to towards the top of the division. Castillo believes he only needs an opportunity – something ProBox TV was willing to give him. He is therefore ready to shine.
“I’m one of the best in the super lightweight division,” Castillo said. “I just need the opportunity to show everyone that I have what it takes to become a world champion. The division is stacked with great fighters and it will be a difficult challenge to become a world champion, but I believe in myself and I know with hard work, I can do anything.”
Castillo’s face lit up when talking about his weight class. It has a lot of opportunity. Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez are all potential opponents, and among the highest-profile figures in the sport. With momentum, it’s not unthinkable he could land one of those coveted fights.
“I believe the 140lb-division is one of the best in boxing,” he said with excitement. “Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez stand at the top – two of the best pound for pound fighters in boxing. I know if I keep winning the opportunity to face either of them will present itself. There are a lot of good fighters in the top 10 that I must defeat first, but nothing is impossible. I have a great team behind me and I’m ready to fight anyone in my division. I only need the opportunity.”
Castillo is not overlooking Saracho, but he hopes to get fights with the biggest names in the sport. The loss on ShoBox to Eranosyan taught him every fight matters.
WNF is available worldwide on ProBoxTV.com in both English and Spanish with commentary and analysis from former world champions Paulie Malignaggi, Chris Algieri and Juan Manuel Marquez.
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Credit: ProBox TV
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