Dave Castilloux

Dave Castilloux

Dave Castilloux, boxer (b at Paspébiac, Qué 4 Jun 1916; d at Montréal 8 Mar 1994). When Dave Castilloux was only three years old, his parents moved to the United States, and in 1936, when the young fighter settled permanently in Montréal, he was already a seasoned BOXER.

The Gaspé native, well known for his defensive style, succeeded in capturing the Canadian championship titles in three weight categories simultaneously. This winning streak began in Montréal in 1938 when Castilloux took the featherweight title (57.2 kg/126 lb) by easily defeating future world champion Jack Callura. The following year, Castilloux was crowned lightweight champion (61.2 kg/135 lb) for his victory over Joey Bagnato, and in 1941, when he beat his Montréal archrival, Maxie Berger, he received the welterweight title (66.7 kg/147 lb). This unique achievement established Castilloux as one of the best French Canadian boxers.

At the dawn of World War II and in the early 1940s, boxer Dave Castilloux became a dominant figure in the Canadian sports community. The celebrated boxing review Ring Magazine ranked him fourth in the world in the featherweight category in 1938.

In 1942 and 1943, when the cannons of the Second World War were rumbling, Castilloux delivered only a few fights, responding to his country's call by working as a physical education instructor for the R.C.A.F. He returned to the ring with more regularity in 1944, and suffered his only defeat within the match limits when he faced Ike Williams, the future world lightweight champion.

On 28 Aug 1946, Dave Castilloux faced young Johnny Greco at the Montréal Forum. More than 15 000 people watched this event, which was described as "the fight of the century." Greco won the duel in 10 rounds. The match set a box office record for attendance and receipts (close to $50 000) in Canadian boxing.

With his managers Raoul Godbout and Jack Allen from Toronto, Dave Castilloux confronted the greatest names in boxing, both in Canada and in the United States. At the end of his career, he travelled across Québec giving a rough time to local boxers in the four corners of the province. After losing his last fight by decision against Gaby Ferland on 26 Jul 1948, he hung up his gloves at the age of 32. Subsequently, he worked as a scorekeeper for the Canadian National Boxing Federation.

During a career that stretched from 1935 to 1948, Castilloux delivered more than one hundred fights, winning 52 victories by decision and 35 by knockout. He also suffered 15 defeats, and took part in 6 draws and 6 exhibition matches.

In 1992, Castilloux was inducted into the QUÉBEC SPORTS HALL OF FAME. With Castilloux's death on 8 Mar 1994, in a Montréal seniors' residence, Québec lost one of its best boxers.