By Miguel Rivera

Fans frowned when they heard Jose Luis Castillo (66-12-1, 57 KOs), 40-years-old, was the likely opponent to face former WBO junior welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov on November 28th in Russia.

Castillo, once a feared world champion, knows he will be viewed as a huge underdog in the fight. Provodnikov attempted to secure other opponents, with bigger profiles, but he was unable to get them. Castillo was in action twice this year, against overmatched opponents, winning both times by TKO in five rounds.

"Criticism will always be there, for better or worse. I picked this fight because it's my job, because I dream of starring in the fight of the year, because I will be paid well, because I am preparing very well," Castillo told ESPN Deportes.

"For me this fight will be decisive. I will put everything in the gym. If I win I'm going to the moon. If I lose, Ruslan is not just anybody. He is a very tough fighter that just makes the mistake of being coming forward a lot. I will do my best to win this fight. I hope to sign this week as we already have a verbal agreement."

"I've lost fights because of personal problems. Athletically I feel good and psychologically I'm also recovered. I think I can give a good fight, critics will use them to my advantage. I want to train, fight and win. I have a good opportunity before me. With a winning mentality I hope to go to Russia to surprise everyone."