Walter Castillo (26-3): “Defeating Obara would be of great significance”
Walter Castillo (26-3) is a twenty-seven year old super-lightweight orthodox boxer from Managua, Nicaragua. After losing his very first professional match – a four-round Split Decision defeat versus fellow Nicaraguan native Edwin Palacios at the Universidad de Managua on 07/12/2008 – Castillo won his next sixteen consecutive matches. The win-streak included his third-round KO victory over Augusto Pinilla on 11/25/2010, which awarded Castillo the vacant WBA Fedecentro super-lightweight title. The streak also included his first successful title defense: an eight-round Unanimous Decision victory over Elvin Perez on 07/30/2011.On 02/09/2012, Castillo faced Vicente Mosquera for the vacant WBC Latino super-lightweight title at the Roberto Durán Arena in Panama City, Panama – the home city of Mosquera. The match went the full ten rounds, ending in a controversial Split Decision loss for Castillo – just the second loss of his career. Castillo then won nine more consecutive matches including his first match in the U.S. – a first round TKO victory over Shad Howard at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi on 10/08/2014.
In his very next match, Castillo suffered his third professional defeat: a Unanimous Decision loss versus the undefeated Amir Imam for the WBC Continental Americas super-lightweight title at the StubHub Center in Carson, California on 04/18/2015. Castillo then rebounded with his most recent victory: a third-round TKO over Ammeth Diaz at the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida on 07/11/2015.
With nineteen career KO victories and only three losses, the future is bright for young Walter Castillo.
On 11/07/2015, Castillo is scheduled to face Tokyo, Japan native Keita Obara (15-1): a twenty-eight year old super-lightweight orthodox boxer making his U.S. debut on the NBCSN Premier Boxing Champions undercard at the Miccosukee Resort & Gaming casino in Miami, Florida. Obara holds the Japanese super-lightweight title as well as the OPBF super-lightweight title, and with fourteen career KO victories will be a stiff competitor against Castillo.
During preparation for the Obara match, Castillo took the time to offer insight into his training camp and future goals.
Do you have any geographical preference when competing?
It is my fourth fight in the U.S. and second in Florida. I am very happy to fight here where I made my training camp more than a year ago. I have many fans here in Miami, and I want to show my audience that I’m ready to go for a world title.
Do you feel a responsibility as one of the premier Nicaragua boxers?
It is a very large responsibility as both our first and unique figure with the same deceos to achieve. It is the same reason why I give myself to the gym – with claws to achieve my dreams.
What – if any – is the difference in this training camp?
I feel more fulfilled after a year of preparation with my trainer ‘Cuban’ Osmiri Moro Fernandez, Jr. I learned more tricks of boxing and have improved substantially in my resources as a boxer. This camp was very different from the others, and I am very happy with my learning.
What will a victory over Obara mean for your career?
Defeating Obara is of great significance, as he is a serious contender and mandatory for the IBF world title winner between César René Cuenca and Eduard Troyanoski.
Are you fueled by motivation from the Mosquera loss?
The fight with Mosquera… I always feel that stripped my inspiration. I use that as the guide to continue to improve in all aspects.
Do you feel a reliance on power when you’re feeling pressured?
Whenever I am well-prepared, I never feel pressure. In contrast, well-prepared but with more strength.
What are your thoughts on boxing in regards to offering a better life for youth?
Boxing is an art. Boxing is also one of the most demanding sports in terms of preparation and forming guidance in the educational part of youth.
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