BoxRec

Il Duce wrote:Just Sour Grapes on the part of Miguel Angel Castellini,

When he found out that Eddie Gazo was getting $140,000 instead of $60,000 {Typical Fight Purse}.

New WBA President Fernando 'Mandy' Galindez of Venezuela disregarded Miguel's demand for a 'rematch'.

Miguel left his 'fight game' in Argentina when he fought Eddie Gazo in March 1977 in Nicaragua.

Other rumors were, that he was 'Full-of-Wine' after winning the Championship in October 1976, and he
had spent 5-Months by 'drinking and celebrating' his victory.

Il Duce wrote:The 'Skinny' on Miguel Angel Castellini, who had the nickname 'Cloroformo'

He was one of the most popular boxers in Argentina.

He was also a key sparring-partner for World Middleweight Champion - Carlos Monzon,
especially for the Gratien Tonna bout that was held in Paris, France in December 1975.

After he won the WBA Light Middleweight Championship in October 1976 over Jose Duran
in Spain, Miguel was honored as a Hero in Argentina.

Miguel, along with Champions - Carlos Monzon, Victor Galindez, and soon to be Champion
Miguel Angel Cuello, were the Top Argentinian Sports Celebrities.

In sports interviews, Miguel stated that he planned on making several WBA Light Middleweight
Title defenses in 1977, before moving up to Middleweight when Carlos Monzon retired in
later-1977.

At {Age 30 years-old}, Miguel was in excellent physical condition, and was a strong and gifted
boxer with brilliant footwork. And, he carried 'Knockout Power' in either hand, as his record stated
of 62-5-10 {43 KO's}.

Manager - Tito Lectoure had Miguel lined for bouts with Eddie Gazo (for $60,000 in March 1977 in Nicaragua)
and Koichi Wajima (for $60,000 in June 1977 in Japan). Both bouts appeared to be relatively 'easy' Title Defenses
for the skilled and power-punching Argentinian.

Il Duce wrote:Too much 'Wine and Dance' in Buenos Aires.

At Age 30, the body doesn't recover as well...........

Plus, Miguel took the 'awkward' Eddie Gazo very lightly in pre-fight training.

In an Argentinian Press Interview, Miguel said that Eddie Gazo was 'not dazzling',
'not technical' and 'not a big puncher'. But, he had a lot of 'spirit'.

The WBA wanted the bout in Nicaragua, as the Promoters were paying the 'gratuities' for all
the WBA Execuctives, plus additional niceties.

Tito Lectoure got the $60,000 Fight Purse for Miguel, plus the Ancillary Rights to
Argentina and Italy, which was worth another $15,000.

On paper, it looked like an easy 'Cash-and-Carry' bout.

Il Duce wrote:In the Spain Newspaper - ABC De Sevilla

Miguel claimed he was 'robbed'.

But the Newspaper Report account stated, that he was 'lacklustre' and vulnerable in his bout with Eddie Gazo.
And he had 'mental absence' both before, and during the bout.

Eddie Gazo was a 'poor quality boxer', but showed a 'desire' to win, something the Champion from
Argentina did not have {which was a lack of heart}.

Miguel retired after the bout, then wanted a rematch {which was a no go}.

Then, he asked for a bout with Eddie Gazo after he defended against Koichi Wajima in June 1977.

But the Argentinians could not match the fight purses being tossed around in both Japan and South Korea.

http://hemeroteca.abcdesevilla.es/prens ... 42_low.jpg

Il Duce wrote:Miguel was all over the place.

He was 'out-of-it' mentally at that time, and he was enjoying 'Wine' with his
hot 'bleached blonde beauty'.

Not sure where he went in the WBA Ratings after that bout, I'll have to check.
I know the WBC dropped him out of their Top 10 at Light-Middleweight.

From what I have, when he came back on November 3, 1977 in Denmark to
face Ayub Kalule, it was a WBA Elimination bout to face Eddie Gazo.

Ayub Kalule 'blasted' him out in 3, and the Ugandan was supposed to face
Eddie Gazo in January or February 1978.