The March 5, 2005, WBC lightweight title fight at Mandalay Bay showcased Jose Luis Castillo's veteran prowess against former IBF champion Julio Diaz. It culminated in a 10th-round TKO victory that further cemented Castillo's position atop the lightweight division.
The bout's competitive early stages saw both fighters exchanging meaningful shots, with Castillo working the body while Diaz found success with left hooks upstairs. Diaz's tactical approach included periodic switches to southpaw, initially troubling the champion. However, the fight's complexion changed dramatically in the fourth round when an accidental headbutt opened a cut above Diaz's left eye.
The seventh round proved pivotal as Diaz sustained another cut over his right eye. Castillo, sensing vulnerability, intensified his attack. All three judges - Burt A. Clements, Dalby Shirley, and Dick Flaherty - had identical scores of 88-83 for Castillo at the time of stoppage, reflecting his growing dominance as the fight progressed.
The end came at 2:23 of the tenth round after Castillo dropped Diaz twice. The first knockdown came via a precise left hook, followed by a right-left combination off the ropes that produced the second knockdown. Though Diaz beat the count, referee Richard Steele determined he was in no condition to continue, particularly with both eyes severely compromised.
This victory marked Castillo's third significant win in nine months, following successful defences against Juan Lazcano and Joel Casamayor. For Diaz, who had vacated his IBF title for this opportunity, the defeat dropped his record to 30-3 (22 KOs). Castillo improved to 52-6-1 (46 KOs) and immediately announced plans to return to training within two weeks for his scheduled May showdown with Diego Corrales.
