Boxing Update: Martin Castillo Gets WBO Title Shot Against Fernando Montiel

Martin “El Gallito” Castillo, former World Boxing Association flyweight champion, will challenge current World Boxing Organization super flyweight champion Fernando Montiel on Saturday, February 16th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The twelve round world title bout will be featured on the under card of the pay-per-view extravaganza headlined by the rematch rumble between world middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik and former world champion Jermain Taylor.

Castillo (33-2, 17 KOs), from Mexico City, Mexico, has won 12 of his last 13 bouts. He captured the World Boxing Association (WBA) 115-pound title in 2004, winning a 12-round unanimous decision over defending champion Alexander Munoz. He held the title for nearly two years before losing it to Nobuo Nashiro on July 22, 2006 in Japan.

He is currently the WBA and the International Boxing Federation’s (IBF) top-rated contender and the WBO and the WBC’s No. 2 contender. He is also rated # 1 by Ring Magazine and # 3 by ESPN.

Since losing to Nashiro, Castillo has won his last three bouts, most recently winning a dominant ten round unanimous decision over Jonathan Perez on October 26, 2007 in Cicero, Illinois.

Currently working with new trainer Rudy Perez, longtime trainer of Marco Antonio Barrera, at the South El Monte Teamsters Boxing Club in South El Monte, California, Castillo spoke about his upcoming challenge for his second world title.

“Training has been excellent; Rudy and I have been very comfortable since the first day.
We’ve been working very hard at the gym getting ready for this title fight.”

Speaking specifically about Montiel, Castillo said “We’re working on cutting off the ring. Montiel runs way too much and I will have to force him to fight. I’m going to fight an intelligent fight and I plan on being victorious. I’m very thankful for this fight and 100% ready and hungry to win.”

About fighting on HBO Pay Per View in Las Vegas, Martin stated, “I’m thrilled to fight on the big stage. I’m very thankful to Top Rank for this opportunity and I plan on putting on a terrific performance for the fans in attendance and those watching on pay per view.”

In regards to his long supportive fans, Castillo said, “I’m very thankful for my fans support. I’m very appreciative that they’ve been with me throughout my career and I plan not to let them down.”

Speaking about the long talked about fight with Jorge Arce, “El Gallito” said “I’m completely focused on Montiel. After this fight I will consider my options with other fights but right now it’s all about preparing for February 16th.”

Also featured on the undercard is a World Boxing Council super flyweight title bout between champion Cristian Mijares and three-time world title challenger Jose Navarro. In addition, junior middleweight contender Ronald Hearns, son of legendary boxer Tommy Hearns, will risk his undefeated record against Juan Astorga in an eight round bout.

The Kelly Pavlik vs. Jermain Taylor rematch (The Epic Battle Continues) will be promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Top Rank Inc. The 12-round rumble will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View on Saturday, February 16th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas beginning at 9p.m. (EST) / 6p.m. (PST). The bout will take place at a catch weight of 166 lbs. as Taylor exercises the rematch clause in his contract from the original Pavlik fight.

Tickets are priced at $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100 are on sale at MGM Grand Arena Box Office. Tickets will also be sold at all Las Vegas Ticketmasters locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers, Macy’s West at the Fashion Show Mall, and Ritmo Latino.) Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at 702-474-4000 or MGM Grand 800-929-1111. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com