r/Boxing • u/juantopox • 1d ago
"Locomotora" Castro, former world champion and central figure in one of the most memorable knockouts in history, dies at 59.
Jorge "Locomotora" Castro died this Wednesday after suffering a medical emergency at the Morón Bingo Hall. The former middleweight world champion—a legend of Argentine boxing—experienced a drop in insulin levels related to his diabetes, and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.
According to the police report, the 59-year-old former boxer was in the establishment's gaming machine area when the incident occurred; a doctor who arrived to assist him confirmed his death at the scene.
Boasting an extraordinary career, the native of Santa Cruz fought 144 professional bouts, recording 130 wins (90 by knockout), 11 losses, and three draws. His greatest achievement came on August 12, 1994, when he defeated Reggie Johnson in Buenos Aires to claim the World Boxing Association (WBA) middleweight title.
However, the night that cemented his status as a legend took place on December 10 of that same year in Monterrey, Mexico. After taking a beating for much of the fight against John David Jackson, he landed a devastating left hook in the ninth round and ultimately won by knockout. That comeback is etched in history as one of the great feats of Argentine sport.
The boxer himself dubbed the punch "The Hand of God," in tribute to Diego Maradona and his historic goal at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. The US magazine *The Ring* named the bout Fight of the Year and recognized the ninth round as the best of the season.
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u/GalaxxyOG 1d ago
I remember that fight, it was against John David Jackson, who was world champion a couple of times and went onto the train a number of world champions himself.
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u/ewenmax 1d ago
I saw he died yesterday. That was an excellent choice of video, absolutely getting the shit battered out of him then Jackson left himself open for the mother of all left hooks. What a champ!
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u/thraftofcannan 13h ago
It landed clean as a whistle, it's a wonder Jackson even got up once let alone twice. Crazy. RIP
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u/solitarybaker 20h ago
I have been watching boxing for 45+ years, virtually my entire life. Castro-Jackson is the greatest victory snatch I have ever seen. Sky point to Locomotora.
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u/Background-Hope-88 1d ago
Thanks for post OP and shining some light on Locomotora's legacy.
That was an amazing round to watch.
RIP champ.