Fighting the good fight

Isidro Castillo is a third generation boxer from Hobbs. He began fighting in 1979 until May 1996, when he sustained brain damage and respiratory problems from a storage tank accident at an oil refinery. He said he was unconscious, but was revived.

He has three brothers and three sisters. He was a single father for 17 years to his two oldest children. He met his girlfriend, Mayra Rueda, and they have a one-year-old daughter together.

After his injuries, Castillo started coaching and promoting boxing events and match makers for other promoters. He has helped local fighters get started. Clovis fighters would come down to Hobbs and he'd show them techniques to help them get wins on their resume.

Castillo is the promoter for the Chaos in Clovis event to be held on Saturday.

What do you like about being a boxing promoter?

I like the involvement I have with the fighters. Some fighters get mistreated by bad promoters. But I want the fighters and fans to be happy. I like to bring a good quality show to Clovis and the surrounding area so they'll want to bring me back.

What don't you like about your job?

The dishonest people that are in the business. People who take advantage of promoters and fighters.

link Courtesy photo

Isidro Castillo is a boxing promoter in Hobbs, but is known around the state and is organizing a boxing event in Clovis May 14.

What's your idea of a perfect day?

Family is my number one priority. My jobs are not 9-5. I can get called out anytime, so when I get home it's family time and that's perfect for me. God, my family and boxing are my life.

When you were a kid, what did you think you'd be doing as an adult?

Well, I didn't think I'd be killing bugs. Working the oil fields was a given considering this area, but my ultimate dream was to be a boxer.

What is your theme song?

“Better Than I Used to Be” by Tim McGraw.

What's so great about your favorite sport?

Without a doubt, it's boxing. I consider it an art. It's the greatest sport because it puts two people together to display their skills. It takes a lot of courage. Boxing keeps kids out of trouble, builds confidence and can even help with health issues. Boxing serves more than one purpose for many. It's an outlet for some.

What's your favorite taste?

Anything sweet.

What's your favorite smell?

My lady's perfume. We have our own collections; her perfumes and my colognes. It's a competition. Sometimes I'll leave the house having sprayed two different colognes on. It's a habit.

Tell us about your greatest individual accomplishment?

Being a father. My siblings all have a college education, but I went through the hard knocks of life to get to where I am and I'm doing good for myself.

What do you envision your life being like in 10 years?

I just want to continue promoting boxing and building my brand. I want to continue doing honest business with people and continue to care for and spend time with my family.

— Compiled by CMI Correspondent D'Nieka Hartsfield