Former boxing world champion Jorge 'Locomotora' Castro has died aged 59 after collapsing at a bingo hall in Argentina. The fighter, who hailed from Santa Cruz, claimed the WBA middleweight world title following his victory over Reggie Johnson in 1994.
Champion's career and legacy
Later that year, 'Locomotora' successfully defended his crown against John David Jackson in what The Ring magazine dubbed 'Fight of the Year'. Following his retirement from the ring, Castro returned to Argentina, where he became widely recognised throughout the Buenos Aires region for his charitable efforts at soup kitchens and community centres.
Police have confirmed he died while at a bingo hall on Wednesday. Authorities are still examining the circumstances surrounding his death, though initial reports suggest he experienced a drop in insulin levels linked to his diabetic condition.
Final moments described by daughter
Emergency services were summoned and Castro received medical attention at the scene, but he passed away despite CPR attempts. He is regarded as one of Argentina's finest-ever boxers, compiling a professional record spanning 144 contests. This included 130 victories (90 by knockout), 11 defeats, and three draws.
Castro's daughter said of her father's death: "My dad's passing was natural. He had a heart attack. His chest started to hurt and he couldn't take it. It was just a matter of 15 minutes, nothing more."
"The Scientific Police already took care of proving it was totally natural. He was with me and my mom. We had a routine outing with my mom. They're very close friends; they haven't been a couple for 15 years already, but they're very close friends. It was an outing the three of us did."
"We were fine and suddenly he told me, 'I'm going to the bathroom.' He went to the bathroom and when he came back he said, 'My chest hurts a little.' I told him, 'That's because you smoke like a savage.' He told me, 'It hurts a lot, daughter.' That's when we called the authorities at the place and it was like that, so fast, just like I'm telling it. They took him to a separate room, started doing CPR on him privately, and that was it."
Tributes from fans
The trio were enjoying their regular day out together when the tragedy unfolded in a matter of moments. Everything happened with devastating speed, leaving no time to process what was occurring.
One boxing fan wrote on X: "Rest in peace, champion," while a second added: "He clenched his fists to earn a living, and opened his hands to help those who needed it most. That was Jorge 'Rona' Castro: a man who, after achieving glory in the ring, kept fighting against poverty. Without a doubt, we bid farewell to a great champion, both up above and down here."
A third continued: "RIP Great Champion," while another chimed in: "Farewell forever, legend! A huge piece of Argentine boxing history has left us."
