MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- One of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni’s own will represent the Air Station at the annual Conseil International du Sport Militaire world military boxing champion-ships in Pretoria, South Africa, June 29 through July 5.
Sgt. Robert Castillo, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 aviation supply clerk, earned the right to represent the Marine Corps and the United States at the world-wide competition after beating out all the competition during the Armed Forces Boxing Championships at Fort Huac-huca, Ariz. earlier this year.
As a 14-year-old boy who consistently got in trouble for fighting in school, Castillo, sought out an outlet that would tame his aggressive warrior spirit.
Deciding to embrace his gift rather than deny it, Castillo decided to take up boxing, the sport that he is currently ranked number four in the nation.
“I initially started boxing to try to stay away from trouble,” said the Wauchula, Fla. native. “I always wanted to fight in school, but when I started boxing I got disciplined and started respecting people a lot more.”
Castillo soon found he was what most people call a “natural” at the fierce sport, capturing countless tournament victories and state championships.
Castillo quickly discovered that his natural ability, if honed properly, could help provide for his family, who moved to Florida from Mexico when Castillo was 10 years old.
“I was always winning and my family had no money and my parents were very poor, so I started entering tournaments where I got paid if I won. That’s the first time I started thinking of the military,” said the soft-spoken Castillo.
Enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1999, Castillo’s talent carried him straight to the All Marine Boxing Team within his first year in the Corps.
“I could’ve gone to the Army. I knew they had a good team. The fighters over there get better equipment, nutritionists and the World Athlete Program; basically everything a fighter needs,” said Castillo. “But I knew I still wanted to join the Marine Corps because they are the best and I have a lot of pride.”
This year was the 7th consecutive year which the 25-year-old Castillo reigned victorious at the Armed Forces Boxing Championships, making him one of the Marine Corps’ most valuable and experienced boxers.
Although he has consistently been a champion inside the ring, his approach to fighting has matured somewhat over his career.
“A boxer dances around using boxing techniques, very technical,” said Castillo, who fights in the 106-pound Light Flyweight weight class.
“A fighter uses technique, but he uses it to hurt his opponent, it doesn’t matter if he gets hit or hurts himself because he’s only out there to win. The fighter is the aggressor he always attacks first. I used to be a pure fighter, but now I try to fight somewhere in the middle. I can box, but I can also fight,” he added.
Currently Castillo is deeply entrenched in a vigorous training program to prepare him for the upcoming CISM.
Every morning he runs six miles with two-pound weights strapped around his wrists to strengthen his shoulders.
His afternoon workout consists of an hour of quality time with the heavy bag and speed bag at the Marine Corps Community Services IronWorks Gym.
“If you want to win you’ve got to put in more work and concentration than your opponent, you’ve really got to want it,” said Castillo. “It’s all about putting your life in the ring, and I’m not afraid to do that.”
For all his tenacity in the ring, Castillo insists his success is a reality because of two reasons.
“I’m here because God is guiding me through life, and he blessed me with a great family,” said a humble Castillo. “Whenever I need someone to talk to, my Mother has always been there.”