Submitted photo: Jesus Castillo of Fort Dodge celebrates his Iowa Golden Gloves title in Des Moines with his mother, Maria; brothers, Rosario and Mateo; and father, Ivan.

DES MOINES — Jesus Castillo had been both dreaming about and working toward this moment since the time he first put on boxing gloves.

The latest in a long line of Fort Dodge competitors to make waves at the state level, Castillo landed a big punch in his Iowa Golden Gloves debut last weekend at Val Air Ballroom. The 18-year-old Castillo captured the 121-pound title to earn a spot on the 2025 Iowa Golden Gloves national team, defeating Francisco Landa of Clinton for the crown.

“The emotions were overwhelming,” admitted Castillo, who recently graduated early from Fort Dodge Senior High. “Just complete happiness. I had worked super hard for the past eight years, learning the sweet science of boxing while putting countless hours in at the gym — from early mornings to late nights.

“I knew I had to out-work everyone. At the end of the day, there are plenty of guys who want the same thing that I do, and people doing everything they can to get there.”

Success isn’t new to Castillo. A four-time defending Iowa Silver Gloves junior-level champion, Castillo was finally old enough to compete this year in the Golden Gloves elite/open bracket (age 18-40).

Castillo made the most of his opportunity, clinching a spot in next month’s national competition by sweeping through his weight division.

“I had a vision in mind ever since I started this (at the age of 10),” said Castillo, who was representing the Fort Dodge Boxing Club. “I did everything it took to succeed. I was able to come out victorious because I prepared myself.

“I’ve had to be very disciplined at times and in moments where no one wants to be disciplined. I’ve missed fun times with friends and family. But I’m hoping to gain a few more years of experience in the sport and get ready for the professional level.”

In addition to his extended training at the FDBC under long-time coach Ismael “Smiley” Cardenas, Castillo also worked with the Des Moines Police Department’s Police Activities League (PAL) Boxing Club in preparation for the Iowa Golden Gloves competition.

Cardenas and assistant coach Michael King, also of Fort Dodge, were in Castillo’s corner last Saturday night. Cardenas has been in charge of the FDBC for the last 10 years, and was named the 2020 Iowa Golden Gloves coach of the year.

“I’m planning on competing in more national tournaments this year and in the years to come to advance my skills and build a name for myself even more in the sport of boxing,” Castillo said.

The National Golden Gloves of America Tournament of Champions is May 11-18 in Tulsa, Okla.