Interview With WBA Super Fly Champ
Martin Castillo
Putting Out The So Called Fire!

By Will "The Thrill" Trillo


Martin Castillo (28-1-16 KO’s) is in Nagoya Japan and is prepared to put it all on the line in his rematch against the tough Hideyasu Ishihara (16-3-1, 11 KO’s). Their first battle was nip and tuck until Castillo managed to stop Ishihara in the 11^th round. Apparently the site that Talks Boxing and their “Ace” reporter didn’t even know that fight took place and that interview is a joke! Hey Fire, do a little research before you start asking questions!
Boxing2005 was happy to chat with Castillo prior to his upcoming title defense and we think you will find what we spoke about to be interesting, and well informed!

Boxing2005:Obviously you have no problem fighting for the Title in Japan since that is where you earned your interim title in the first place!

Castillo: Well, the last time I fought Ishihara I was only given a little than less of a month notice.  I had to shed about 21lbs. also at the time I didn’t know that Ishihara was a southpaw till about 2 weeks before the fight; so finding sparring partners in less than 2 weeks was tough. And don’t forget the flight to Japan. 

Boxing2005: And since you fought Ishihara in that very fight, studying tapes was probably not too necessary since you have first hand experience with that fighter, 11 rounds worth of hard fought experience! As to that fight itself, this was a very hard fought fight that was still in the judges hands at the time you stopped him, since you were in his backyard, did you feel that you need to KO Ishihara to win the fight at that point?

Castillo: During the fight with Ishihara I was dead tired by the six round and knew the fight was very close. My corner told me that I needed to knock him out before the beginning of the 11th round and fortunately, that’s exactly what I did!

Boxing2005:I am curious as to why you decided to go back to Japan to fight him again, I mean, you are the Champion, why didn't you make him fight over here?

Castillo: Well I left that up to my manager Frank Espinoza and my promoters Top Rank. I trust them enough to make the best decision for me and they thought it would be in my best interest to come back to Japan.  I was also offered more money to come fight in Japan and was told if I pass this fight up, I would have to wait a few more months to defend my title. So I wanted to stay active.

Boxing2005: Are you concerned that you may get the same treatment that Jose Navarro just received, when he got robbed over there in Japan?

Castillo: To be honest I didn’t see the Jose Navarro fight for myself, but heard he was robbed. I feel Japan is an honest and respectable place and will award the right and fair decision to the winner. If I felt any other way, i wouldn’t have fought here.  But hopefully, I wont have to leave the decision to the judges anyways.

Boxing2005: How long have you been training over there now, and how are you being treated?

Castillo: I have been here for about a week and have been treated very good.  They have made me feel very comfortable and welcomed.

Boxing2005: Who did you take over there to work with you for this one, Trainer? Cut man?

Castillo: I came here with my trainer Chato Robles, my manager Frank Espinoza, and my cut man Miguel Diaz.

Boxing2005: All of us at Boxing2005 wish you the very best, and we hope you will bring that belt back home with you!

Castillo: Thank you Boxing2005, and to all your readers.


Questions or Comments? Please Contact Will "The Thrill Trillo