Jason Castanon is looking for an opening in his pro debut against Luis Rivera-Reyes.Photo by Stephanie Trapp/Boxing Insider
NEW YORK — As time wore on toward Jason Castanon's professional debut, the reality of what he was about to tackle began to sink in. The glove he was trying to fit onto his fist was eight ounces, four ounces lighter than the glove he was carrying. He wore it in about 35 amateur matches. The 30-year-old, who lives in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, knew he could do great harm with what he had in his hands, but he knew he could do some damage if the other person connected to him. There is also a possibility of receiving.
In the end, Castanon got more than he deserved in a four-round lightweight bout against Luis Rivera-Reyes on March 7 at Sonny Hall in New York City. After receiving an early counterattack from the Puerto Rican-based debutant, Castanon knocked Rivera-Reyes down with a pair of right hands, ending the bout one second before the end of the third round.
“It was a great experience. It was completely different from being an amateur,” Castanon, known as “The Joker,” said a week after making the leap to the professional level.
“The gloves are on the small side so you always have to protect yourself. Being on the other side can be bad. But other than that it was a good experience. I took the fight to three rounds and won a few rounds. It was fun.”
Boxing wasn't always fun for Castanon. It was about survival.
Castanon gets excited in the corner as trainer Argenis Arce watches.Photo by Stephanie Trapp/Boxing Insider
Born to Puerto Rican and Mexican parents, boxing was always a part of his family from an early age. He had his first match at the age of 15 and was boxing until the age of 19. He admits that he got involved with the streets around that time and got into trouble. He returned to boxing at age 25, a decision he says probably saved his life.
“My life has changed for the better. I've become a better father, I've become a better man outside of the ring, I've learned to be responsible and disciplined,” said USA Boxing's 2022 Ring said Castanon, who reached the Masters Championship final. Metro's National Golden Gloves Qualifying Tournament.
“Thank God, if it wasn't for this sport, I wouldn't be here right now.”
Trainer Algenis Arce said when Jason returned to the gym, he was there with open arms. Arce, owner of Sweatbox Gym in Sunset Park, has known Castanon since he was 12 years old, when he trained with Arce and coach Juan Rivera. He described Jason as a “troubled young man” who had been on his own since the age of 15 and had always been in and out of trouble.
The boxing gym will eventually become a place where he can grow.
“I've been doing my best to offer him a job in the sweatbox and allow him to focus on boxing and the streets. It's been tough. Jason, Jim's team, [fellow unbeaten pro Joel Telles] I have a similar story. I try my best to impose my experiences as an older brother and father and guide them as best I can,” Arce said.
For Castanon, boxing is more than just a fun pastime. He's also very good at it, Arce says.
“He has all the makings of a great fighter. He's fast, he has power in both hands, he can take punches and deliver one. For him, boxing is a way of life. He picked it up just because it was cool. He lives it and loves it. That's all he does,” says Arce.
Castanon is now trying to make up for lost time and plans to fight again within the next month. He may be known as “The Joker,” but Castanon doesn't consider boxing to be a laughing matter.
“All of my favorite fighters were actually Puerto Rican and Mexican. It's the best of both worlds, and I'll always come to fight no matter what.” If you've ever lived in a city, you know what happens with fireworks,” Castanon said.
Ryan Songalia has written for ESPN, the New York Daily News, Rappler, and the Guardian, and is a 2020 graduate of the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism. Contact details are as follows: [email protected].
