Boxing Legend Ruben Castillo Dies at Age 68 Following Cancer, WBC President Pays Tribute in Video

Legendary boxer Ruben Castillo died on Wednesday at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer, per TMZ.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman paid tribute to Castillo in a video message on social media.

"I'm so deeply saddened by the passing away of Ruben Castillo," Sulaiman said, "What a wonderful man. [He fought] so many greats in the ring, yet he was such an unbelievable friend. Nice, kind, always happy, always funny. ... We will always remember Ruben Castillo. May he rest in peace."

A longtime featherweight, Castillo had a career record of 67-10-2 with 37 knockouts in 79 fights and contended for a world championship four times against Juan Laporte and Hall of Famers Julio César Chávez, Salvador Sanchez and Alexis Arguello.

After his retirement in 1997, Castillo transitioned to broadcasting and worked alongside the legendary Chick Hearn. He also made his acting debut in the 1988 film Fists of Steel.

The WBC also released a heartwarming tribute to Castillo following his passing.

"Everyone who ever met Ruben smiles and cherishes the priceless memories, for he tried his utmost in the ring and then he was a marvelous and constant friend outside of it," the tribute stated. Ruben was such fun. A rebel with a cause. Boxing is not just winning and losing. It`s how you fight and what you input, which forms you into a legend. The essence of being competitive. A warrior of the ring."