by Eric “Sugar Foot” Duran
First Jermain Taylor, then Joshua Clottey and now Jose Luis Castillo?
If the rumors are true that Ruslan Provodnikov’s next opponent is Jose Luis Castillo, a few question come to mind other than why?
First question, is Ruslan Provodnikov’s psyche that damaged that he needs a dead punching bag to restore his confidence?
Second question, was the figure so low on the check from Banner Promotions that only a fighter like Castillo would take it?
After the Algieri bout, the story that nobody wants to fight the Russian can no longer be used as an excuse. Any fighter who predicates themselves on being a great “boxer” should be ringing his door bell
But Jose Luis Castillo? You understand it’s been seven years since he fought in a significant bout? It’s been nine years since he defeated a significant opponent.
Castillo has also been inactive for a year and eight months. And anyone who has followed his career, understands his shortcomings. He’s slow of hands and foot. He relies on pure aggression and output. However, at age 40, he’s less then a shell of himself. In other words, he’s a big punching bag.
What happened to the rumored Paul Spadafora as an opponent? I’m sure he didn’t outprice himself. He has restitution and tattoo debts to pay off
Maybe the question shouldn’t be why Castillo. Maybe the question should be why does a fighter with Castillo’s history have to a take a fight in Russia, against Provodnikov, at the age of 40?
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