The World Boxing Association (WBA), through its president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, and its directorate members, especially our Director in Spain, Pedro García, support the candidacy of our former Middleweight Champion, Javier Castillejo, to the 2018 Princess of Asturias Awards presented by the Spanish Boxing Association (AEBOX).

Castillejo, born on March 22nd, 1968, in Madrid, Spain, was a boxer who excelled in the tough discipline of Boxing. The Iberian boxer, who debuted on July 22nd, 1988, had a great career in the ring. First, he made his way in his country beating most of the rivals he faced. This gave him the chance to fight and win the European Super Welterweight title, which he successfully defended on 4 occasions and led him to his first world title in 1999 against Keith Mullings at “La Cubierta” Bull Ring in Leganes, where he won the WBC World Championship at 154 pounds.

Then, in 2006, the opportunity that he had long waited for, came: to fight for a World Boxing Association title. He took advantage of it by defeating German Felix Sturm by technical knockout. Without a doubt, it was a match where Castillejo showed all his greatness in the ring and that reaffirmed him as one of the best fighters born in Spain.

“El Lince de Parla”, as this great boxer is known, left an excellent record of 62 victories, 8 defeats, 1 draw and 43 knockouts. In addition, throughout his career he showed discipline and responsibility inside and outside the ring, which makes his legacy even bigger.

Therefore, the WBA supports his candidacy for the Princess of Asturias Awards 2018. We hope that this great champion adds a new triumph to his career.