José Luis Castillo, a former professional boxer from Mexico, is widely regarded as one of the best lightweight fighters of his generation. His illustrious career spanned from 1990 to 2014.
He is a two-time world champion at that weight, having held the WBC title twice, from 2000 to 2002 and 2004 to 2005; and the Ring magazine and lineal titles from 2004 to 2005.
Here we have José Luis Castillo’s net worth, earnings, career, achievements, professional boxing record, and more.
José Luis Castillo’s Biography and Career
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | José Luis Castillo |
| Date of Birth | December 14, 1973 |
| Birthplace | Empalme, Sonora, Mexico |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Weight Class | Lightweight, Welterweight |
| Reach | 69 in (175 cm) |
José Luis Castillo was born on December 14, 1973, in Empalme, Sonora, Mexico. He grew up in a boxing family, which inspired him to pursue the sport at a young age.
Castillo was known for his rugged style, honed through years of training and fighting in Mexico.
His impressive career spanned over two decades, and he is celebrated for his toughness and aggressive fighting style.
Professional Career
José Luis Castillo made his professional boxing debut in 1990 and quickly rose through the ranks with a series of victories. Known for his durability and pressure fighting, Castillo earned a reputation as a tough and formidable competitor in the lightweight division.
His career reached a high point in 2000 when he won the WBC lightweight title by defeating Stevie Johnston. Castillo would defend the title successfully multiple times, solidifying his status as one of the top lightweights in the world.
One of the defining moments of Castillo’s career was his two fights against Diego Corrales in 2005. Their first fight on May 7, 2005, is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxing matches of all time.
Despite Castillo losing by TKO in the 10th round, the fight was filled with non-stop action, incredible exchanges, and remarkable comebacks. The rematch later that year saw Castillo emerge victorious, knocking out Corrales in the fourth round, though the fight was marred by controversy over Castillo’s failure to make weight.
Castillo also faced other top fighters of his era, including Floyd Mayweather Jr., with whom he fought twice in 2002. Though Castillo lost both fights via decision, the first match was highly competitive, and many believed it could have gone in Castillo’s favor.
Achievements
- Two-time WBC Lightweight Champion
- Famed for his legendary bout against Diego Corrales in 2005, often regarded as one of the best fights in boxing history
Widely regarded as one of the best lightweights of his era, José Luis Castillo is a two-time world champion in the lightweight division. He held the WBC title twice, from 2000 to 2002 and again from 2004 to 2005, while also capturing the Ring magazine and lineal titles from 2004 to 2005.
Castillo’s career is perhaps best remembered for his legendary 2005 bout against Diego Corrales, which earned Fight of the Year honors from both The Ring and the Boxing Writers Association of America.
Additionally, his highly debated first fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. remains a pivotal moment in his career.
José Luis Castillo’s Net Worth Details
José Luis Castillo’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025. Throughout his career, Castillo earned significant prize money from his fights, particularly during the peak of his career when he faced high-profile opponents.
He earned substantial purses from his title fights and pay-per-view events.
Prize Money Earnings
| Fight | Opponent | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| Floyd Mayweather Jr. (First Fight) | $1.2 million | |
| Diego Corrales (First Fight) | $500,000 | |
| Ricky Hatton | $750,000 |
Net Worth Growth
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4.5 million |
| 2021 | $4.7 million |
| 2022 | $4.8 million |
| 2023 | $5 million |
| 2024 | $5 million |
Professional Boxing Records
| 80 fights | 66 wins | 13 losses |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 57 | 8 |
| By decision | 9 | 5 |
| Draws | 1 | |
FAQs
1. Who is José Luis Castillo?
2. What is José Luis Castillo’s boxing record?
3. What are José Luis Castillo’s most famous fights?
- vs. Diego Corrales (2005): A brutal 10-round war named Fight of the Year by The Ring and BWAA.
- vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. (2002): A controversial split decision loss in their first bout, with many arguing Castillo outworked Mayweather.
- vs. Stevie Johnston (2000): Won the WBC lightweight title in a majority decision upset.
- vs. Ricky Hatton (2007): Lost by 4th-round KO to a body shot.
