Jorge “Locomotora” Castro Dies Aged 59

Former WBA middleweight world champion Jorge “Locomotora” Castro has died aged 59. The Argentine was reported to have suffered a medical emergency at a bingo hall in Morón, Buenos Aires Province, in the early hours of Wednesday, 14 October. The cause of death has not been officially confirmed, and local reports said the circumstances were being investigated.

A night that made boxing history

Castro’s career was defined by his relentless pressure and remarkable toughness, but one fight above all others made him a legend. On 12 August 1994, he defeated Reggie Johnson by split decision to win the vacant WBA middleweight title.

Four months later, he defended the belt against unbeaten American John David Jackson in Monterrey, Mexico. Castro was badly behind and had taken heavy punishment before a left hook in the ninth round changed everything. He dropped Jackson and stopped him, producing one of boxing’s most famous comebacks. The Ring magazine named it its 1994 Fight of the Year and selected the ninth as Round of the Year.

Castro held the WBA title until December 1995, making four successful defences before losing a unanimous decision to Japan’s Shinji Takehara in Tokyo. Across a professional career spanning 144 bouts, he recorded 130 wins, including 90 by knockout, 11 defeats and three draws, according to the World Boxing Council.

A long career in and out of the ring

Born in Caleta Olivia, Argentina, on 18 August 1967, Castro turned professional in 1987. He went on to face some of boxing’s biggest names, including Roy Jones Jr., Terry Norris and Roberto Durán. His final professional fight came in 2007, when he stopped José Luis Herrera in the second round.

His life was marked by another major fight outside the ring. In 2005, Castro suffered severe injuries in a car accident and spent 23 days in a coma. He recovered and returned to boxing before retiring two years later.

Remembered for helping his community

After boxing, Castro remained a familiar figure in Argentina, including through television appearances. He also devoted time to helping local families. A gym he opened in Temperley became a community dining room during the Covid-19 pandemic, and he continued supporting soup kitchens and community centres.

The WBC paid tribute to Castro as a former world champion and recognised his work supporting people in need. He will be remembered for the extraordinary comeback against Jackson, a career of remarkable longevity and the generosity he showed beyond the ring.