I got to use the "Adios, El Temible" headline once before, about a year ago, when Hatton pounded Castillo down within four rounds. But this time, he might really be gone.
Prior to his Wednesday Night Fights main event against Argentinian tough guy Sebastian Lujan, he of the dangling ear beaten nearly off his head by Antonio Margarito years ago, the 34-year old Castillo said he'd retire if he lost.
Now, Castillo wasn't embarrassed. But he clearly lost the 10-round fight, having to attempt to fend off the 1,200-plus punch activity from the energetic, relentless Lujan, who won on official scores of 99-91, 99-91 and 98-92. I had it 98-92 for Lujan, with the only round clearly in Castillo's favor being the second.
If that was the end for Castillo, he went out with his head up. He made the weight, coming in at 146 1/2 pounds, didn't really look bad, and didn't take a bad beating. He was just out of his depth, fighting the wrong guy for his age and declining skills.
When the scores were announced, no B.S. came about. Castillo nodded and clapped, congratulated Lujan, and exited the ring, leaving the grand stage to the winner.
In many ways, it reminded me of Chico Corrales' final fight, against Joshua Clottey, also at welterweight. Both men, such great rivals, came forward, fought their hardest, and showed the rare flash of what they once were. But in the end, a younger, stronger man was the night's victor, and there could be no doubt.
I hope Castillo is financially secure enough to go ahead and call it a career. Nothing good can come of him continuing to fight.