It was sadly confirmed this week that former boxing star Ruben Castillo has died at the age of 68.
Castillo, who fought in the Featherweight division, competed in four world championship bouts during his career. He faced a plethora of Hall of Famers, including Alexis Arguello, Julio Cesar Chavez and Salvador Sanchez.
Unfortunately, Castillo passed away after a battle with cancer. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman released a statement on this heartbreaking news.
"I'm so deeply saddened by the passing away of Ruben Castillo," Sulaiman said. "What a wonderful man. He fought so many greats in the ring, yet he was such an unbelievable friend. Nice, kind, always happy, always funny. My prayers are with his family and friends. We will always remember Ruben Castillo. May he rest in peace."
Boxing community shares tributes for Ruben Castillo.
"Heard about the passing of Ruben Castillo, who in his day was a very good fighter," Steve Kim said. "But for me, he'll always be the ringside analyst on Prime Ticket for Forum Boxing, usually alongside Tom Kelly."
"Really skilled good boxer wasn’t a big puncher," one fan commented. "Maybe not a champion but he would have been a contender in any era I remember him giving Alexis Arguello a good scrap. Arguello eventually knocked him out but he did that to everyone back then."
"Excellent contender who was so unfortunate to be in the same era as legendary champs like Salvador Sanchez and Alexis Arguello," another fan said. "Definitely world championship material in a different era. R.I.P."
"Very sad news to hear Boxing Legend Ruben Castillo has passed away thoughts prayers and sincere condolences go out to his family and friends at this sad time," a social media user said. "RIP."
There's no question Castillo's legacy will live on for years to come.