Rose hitting punching bag, Rose sparring with sparring partner, cutaway, Castillo skipping rope, Castillo working out on speed bag.




Initials BK/NR:em


SPORT: BOXING

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Bantamweight Boxing Champion, Lionel Rose, the first Australian aboriginal to hold a world boxing title, will defend it against Mexican Champion, Chuchu Castillo in Los Angeles, December 6.

Both fighters are now training in Los Angeles.

Rose, who is very popular in Australia, shows a great deal of determination, even in training. His trainer-manager, Jack Rennie, told newsmen recently he thought Rose would have an easier time against Castillo than against Jose Mendel whom he fought last August. The champion's ability to move in and out quickly makes him a hard target to hit. Rose is favored to defeat Castillo.

Of course, Castillo is hoping for an upset. He is training hard and is looking very sharp.

Rennie, however, feels his man should have little trouble beating Castillo. But Rose does not discount his opponent's ability: "Castillo has a good left hook and a fast jab which I will have to watch out for." Rose's observation is accurate when one watches Castillo beat the speed bag.

The December 6 bout will be Rose's second defense of his title. He won the championship by beating Japan's Fighting Harade in Tokyo last February.