Former boxing world champion Jorge “Locomotora” Castro has died at the age of 59 after suffering a heart attack at a bingo hall in Argentina on October 14, according to his daughter, Quimely.
The Argentine boxing great, who won 130 of his 144 professional fights during a career spanning two decades, died after experiencing sudden chest pain while spending time with his daughter and his former partner.
Quimely described her father’s final moments in an interview with Argentine media, explaining that his condition deteriorated rapidly despite the family’s efforts to seek help.
“My dad’s passing was natural,” she said. “He had a heart attack. His chest started to hurt, and he couldn’t take it.”
She said the incident unfolded within approximately 15 minutes. According to her account, Castro had been enjoying an outing with his daughter and her mother, with whom he had remained close friends despite their separation around 15 years earlier.
Quimely recalled that the evening had appeared normal before Castro briefly went to the bathroom. When he returned, he complained that his chest hurt.
She initially attributed his discomfort to his smoking, but said his condition quickly became more serious.
“I told him, ‘That’s because you smoke like a savage.’ He told me, ‘It hurts a lot, daughter,'” she recalled.
The family then alerted staff at the venue, who arranged for assistance. Castro was moved to a separate room, where medical personnel began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), according to his daughter’s account. He could not be saved.
His death marks the loss of a prominent figure in Argentine boxing, remembered for his power in the ring and his lengthy professional career.
Castro turned professional in 1987 and built a reputation as an aggressive fighter with considerable knockout ability. Of his 130 victories, 89 came by knockout, making him one of the sport’s notable punchers during his era.
He reached the peak of his career seven years after turning professional, winning the World Boxing Association (WBA) middleweight title with a split-decision victory over American boxer Reggie Johnson.
The victory established Castro as a world champion and secured his place among Argentina’s recognised boxing figures. His career continued across two decades, producing 144 professional bouts and a record that reflected both his durability and his ability to finish fights.
