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Having seen him at closed quarters I have no doubt that Martin Castillo is among the most technically gifted fighters in the world today.
However due to him plying his trade in the (traditionally unfashionable) lower weight classes and also having suffered some horrible luck with cuts you won't find the 32-2 Mexican slickster on any boxing writers' 'pound-for-pound' list right now.
However, as Mexico-born, LA-based former WBA super-flyweight champion told our Derek Bilton, the little man with the big talent is hoping the big fights for big dollars can be made sooner rather than later.
ITV: Martin, belated congratulations on your win over Oscar Andrade. That's two fights and two wins so far this year which suggests you are definitely over the disappointment of your loss to Nobuo Nashiro. Have you heard from your people when you might be fighting next?
MC: Thank you. Well, I was hoping to fight Jorge Arce this year. But I guess I will have to wait. I'm expected to fight on Telefutura by the end of the year and fight Jorge Arce early next year on HBO.
ITV: The Nashiro loss must have been tough to take (I had you ahead in the fight before it was called off). Both career losses now have happened because of cuts. I understand you have had some surgery to try and help the problem?
MC: Yes, it's a shame I have lost two fights on cuts. The Nashiro fight was a disappointing ending for me. But I won't let that stop me from getting back to the top. The surgery I had went very well. I've already had two fights and my eyes have not been a factor.
ITV: I have been a fan of yours since I first saw you box Munoz. You were superb that night and are regarded as one of the best technicians/pure boxers in the game right now. However the 'pound-for-pound' recognition and mega-money fights have not materialised as maybe they should have yet. Has that frustrated you?
MC: It is a little frustrating but I have no choice but to be patient. I just keep working hard in the gym and trying to get back to 100%. Once I get my opportunity against Arce, I will prove to the world I belong at the top.
ITV: The big fights are out there as the lower weight divisions have some real stars right now. A lot of people are mentioning your name in the same breath as Arce and that fight looks as though it might happen soon. Is that a fight that appeals to you?
MC: Absolutely. I want that fight very much. The fans will enjoy a fight between us because it will be entertaining. Arce and I are in a similar position right now. We both need the win. I know a win over him will be huge. I will beat him.
ITV: Arce of course is very flashy and talks a lot while you seem to be very humble and happy to let your fists do the talking in the ring. They say opposites attract and I'm sure it's a fight the fans would get real excited about?
MC: Yes, you're right. I'm not the type to talk a lot. As you said, I like to let my fists do the talking. But it will be a very exciting fight. I know the fans will be left asking for more. I promise it will be an exciting fight.
ITV: Regardless of promoters or TV networks, if there was one fighter you would like to face in the world right now then who would it be and why?
MC: I would like to fight Jorge Arce or Chrisitian Mijares. They both have different but exciting styles. They would also be an exciting fight for the fans.
ITV: Due to your skills you have a growing number of fans in the UK. Can you clear up for them where the 'El Gallito' (Little Rooster) nickname comes from?
MC: When I was a kid in Mexico, and the youngest at my gym, my older peers used to call me little rooster because of my style. They admired my "no fear" attitude being so young and liked how I moved around in the ring. They said I reminded them of a fighting rooster.
ITV: I know you are fiercely proud of your Mexican roots. Who is your favourite Mexican fighter of all-time?
MC: I admired Salvador Sanchez. He was a great fighter who knew how to box and brawl. He could do it all. He was ahead of his time. In my opinion he is one of the best to ever come out of Mexico.
ITV: Finally Martin do you have a message for all your fans over here in Europe?
MC: Thank you for your support and your patience with my career. Keep your eye out on me because I'm going to be back on top soon.
However due to him plying his trade in the (traditionally unfashionable) lower weight classes and also having suffered some horrible luck with cuts you won't find the 32-2 Mexican slickster on any boxing writers' 'pound-for-pound' list right now.
However, as Mexico-born, LA-based former WBA super-flyweight champion told our Derek Bilton, the little man with the big talent is hoping the big fights for big dollars can be made sooner rather than later.
ITV: Martin, belated congratulations on your win over Oscar Andrade. That's two fights and two wins so far this year which suggests you are definitely over the disappointment of your loss to Nobuo Nashiro. Have you heard from your people when you might be fighting next?
MC: Thank you. Well, I was hoping to fight Jorge Arce this year. But I guess I will have to wait. I'm expected to fight on Telefutura by the end of the year and fight Jorge Arce early next year on HBO.
ITV: The Nashiro loss must have been tough to take (I had you ahead in the fight before it was called off). Both career losses now have happened because of cuts. I understand you have had some surgery to try and help the problem?
MC: Yes, it's a shame I have lost two fights on cuts. The Nashiro fight was a disappointing ending for me. But I won't let that stop me from getting back to the top. The surgery I had went very well. I've already had two fights and my eyes have not been a factor.
ITV: I have been a fan of yours since I first saw you box Munoz. You were superb that night and are regarded as one of the best technicians/pure boxers in the game right now. However the 'pound-for-pound' recognition and mega-money fights have not materialised as maybe they should have yet. Has that frustrated you?
MC: It is a little frustrating but I have no choice but to be patient. I just keep working hard in the gym and trying to get back to 100%. Once I get my opportunity against Arce, I will prove to the world I belong at the top.
ITV: The big fights are out there as the lower weight divisions have some real stars right now. A lot of people are mentioning your name in the same breath as Arce and that fight looks as though it might happen soon. Is that a fight that appeals to you?
MC: Absolutely. I want that fight very much. The fans will enjoy a fight between us because it will be entertaining. Arce and I are in a similar position right now. We both need the win. I know a win over him will be huge. I will beat him.
ITV: Arce of course is very flashy and talks a lot while you seem to be very humble and happy to let your fists do the talking in the ring. They say opposites attract and I'm sure it's a fight the fans would get real excited about?
MC: Yes, you're right. I'm not the type to talk a lot. As you said, I like to let my fists do the talking. But it will be a very exciting fight. I know the fans will be left asking for more. I promise it will be an exciting fight.
ITV: Regardless of promoters or TV networks, if there was one fighter you would like to face in the world right now then who would it be and why?
MC: I would like to fight Jorge Arce or Chrisitian Mijares. They both have different but exciting styles. They would also be an exciting fight for the fans.
ITV: Due to your skills you have a growing number of fans in the UK. Can you clear up for them where the 'El Gallito' (Little Rooster) nickname comes from?
MC: When I was a kid in Mexico, and the youngest at my gym, my older peers used to call me little rooster because of my style. They admired my "no fear" attitude being so young and liked how I moved around in the ring. They said I reminded them of a fighting rooster.
ITV: I know you are fiercely proud of your Mexican roots. Who is your favourite Mexican fighter of all-time?
MC: I admired Salvador Sanchez. He was a great fighter who knew how to box and brawl. He could do it all. He was ahead of his time. In my opinion he is one of the best to ever come out of Mexico.
ITV: Finally Martin do you have a message for all your fans over here in Europe?
MC: Thank you for your support and your patience with my career. Keep your eye out on me because I'm going to be back on top soon.
