Jason Castanon seems to be for the openings in his professional debut in opposition to Luis Rivera-Reyes. Photograph by Stephanie Trapp/Boxing Insider
NEW YORK — Because the minutes ticked down in the direction of Jason Castañon’s skilled debut, the truth of what he was about to undertake was starting to sink in. The gloves he was about to placed on his fists had been 8 ounces, 4 ounces lighter than those he wore for his roughly 35 newbie bouts. The 30-year-old from the Sundown Park part of Brooklyn, N.Y. knew he may trigger nice hurt with these on his palms, however may additionally obtain some harm if his opponent linked on him.
Ultimately, Castañon delivered greater than he acquired in his four-round light-weight bout in opposition to Luis Rivera-Reyes, which befell on March 7 at Sony Corridor in New York Metropolis. After taking some early return hearth from the Puerto Rico-based debutant, Castañon put Rivera-Reyes down with a pair of proper palms to complete the bout a second earlier than the tip of spherical three.
“It was a fantastic expertise, it was manner totally different from the amateurs,” stated Castañon, often known as “The Joker,” every week after he made the leap to the skilled stage.
“The gloves are smaller and it’s important to shield your self always. It may very well be dangerous being on the opposite finish. However aside from that, it was an excellent expertise. I took the combat to the third spherical, I bought some rounds in. It was enjoyable.”
Larry Goldberg, whose firm Boxing Insider Promotions promoted Castañon‘s professional debut, was impressed with what he noticed.
“Jason received the hearts of his followers in New York Metropolis and we sit up for bringing him again quickly,” stated Goldberg. “My favourite a part of being a membership promoter is giving the chance to somebody like Jason to go professional in his hometown.”
For Castañon, boxing hasn’t at all times been about enjoyable. It’s been a matter of survival.
Castanon will get puffed up within the nook as coach Argenis Arce seems to be on. Photograph by Stephanie Trapp/Boxing Insider
Born to Puerto Rican and Mexican mother and father, boxing was at all times enjoying within the family rising up. He had his first combat at age 15, and boxed till he was 19. That’s when he admits that he bought concerned with the streets and bought into hassle. He returned to boxing at age 25, a call he says seemingly saved his life.
“It modified my life for the higher, even being a greater father, being a greater man outdoors the ring, being accountable, being disciplined,” stated Castañon, who made it to the finals of the 2022 Ring Masters Championship, which is USA Boxing Metro’s Nationwide Golden Gloves qualifying match.
“Thank God as a result of if it wasn’t for this sport I wouldn’t be right here proper now.”
Coach Argenis Arce says he was there with open arms when Jason returned to the health club. Arce, who owns the Sweatbox Fitness center in Sundown Park, has identified Castañon since he was 12 years outdated, when he educated alongside Arce and his coach Juan Rivera. He described Jason as a “troubled youth” who had been on his personal for the reason that age of 15, perpetually out and in of hassle.
The boxing health club would find yourself being the place the place he may thrive.
“I’ve finished my greatest for him in offering work at Sweatbox and preserving him centered on boxing and out of the road. It’s been powerful; our crew on the health club, Jason, [fellow unbeaten pro Joel Telles] and I all share comparable tales. I do my greatest to impose my expertise as an enormous brother and father determine and information them one of the best I can,” stated Arce.
Boxing is greater than only a constructive pastime for Castañon. He’s additionally superb at it, says Arce.
“He has all of the makings of a fantastic fighter. Quick, energy in each palms, can take a punch and provides one. Boxing is a lifestyle for him. It’s not simply one thing he picked up as a result of it was cool. He lives it and loves it. It’s all he does,” says Arce.
Now, Castañon is trying to make up for misplaced time, and says he plans to combat once more throughout the subsequent month. He could also be often known as “The Joker” however Castañon doesn’t take boxing as a laughing matter.
“All my favourite fighters had been truly Puerto Rican and Mexican. It’s one of the best of each worlds, I at all times come to combat, it doesn’t matter what. In case you’d seen me all through my newbie profession you understand what to anticipate, fireworks,” stated Castañon.
Ryan Songalia has written for ESPN, the New York Every day Information, Rappler and The Guardian, and is a part of the Craig Newmark Graduate College of Journalism Class of 2020. He will be reached at [email protected].
Comply with @ryansongalia
