WBC TALKS ROUND 48: One on one with Javier Castillejo

One of the most beloved Spanish champions in the entire world, is without a doubt Javier Castillejo who accompanied us today in our already traditional WBC Talks in its 48th edition and who in recent days was named “Hero of Humanity” by the WBC for its altruistic work to help those who need it most in the midst of the health emergency caused by COVID-19.

Javier, who on January 29, 1999 beat Keith Mullings to be crowned WBC World Champion, told us that in his childhood he practiced karate; however, his time in the martial arts was very short as he soon discovered his passion for boxing.

Known as the “Lynx of Parla”; Javier was influenced by Spain golden era at that time of the 60s / 70s when boxing was living its best moment. When he was crowned world champion 22 years had passed without that land having a champion.

Castillejo talked about his debut as an amateur boxer, his passage to the professional field and the first championships and belts.

Remembering the night of his crowning was one of those moments that drew a smile on his face, because it is to crystallize a dream for which a boxer works day by day. “I remember that night I got out of the ring, happy to have won, but it was until the other day, when I woke up, I went to the bathroom, I saw in the mirror the battle blows, I turned around and saw my belt and I understood what had happened: yes. I had become world champion in a fight that had left physical traces. ”

The talk brought us back to the day he faced Oscar de Hoya at the MGM in Las Vegas, Nevada, a grim day where Oscar snatched the title from him. At this point and without detracting from the skills and boxing quality of his rival, Javier explained that that was not his best night, many things had happened around that clash, he even wondered if history had changed if he had been better prepared.

The last time Javier got on the ring was in 2009, but the passion and love for this sport could not end there, so he decided to pass on all his experience and knowledge, which led him to open his boxing school in his native , Parla where new generations of champions are being forged.

A more than pleasant talk, which allowed us to get to know even more this great champion who today continues to show us that championships are not only won above a ring but also below, helping people, being empathetic, caring and above all generous.

Ideal boxer: Javier Castillejo

Jab: Muhammad Ali

Speed: Oscar de la hoya

Defense: Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Chin: Javier Castillejo

Intelligence: Sugar Ray Leonard

Power: George Foreman

Heart: Julio César Chávez

Favorite Fighter: Muhammad Ali