A 12-year-old boxing prodigy’s controversial professional debut has been halted after international boxing authorities stepped in to prevent what they called an unprecedented and dangerous spectacle.
Romina ‘La Bambita’ Castan was scheduled to make history Saturday night in Veracruz in Mexico by becoming the youngest professional boxer ever recorded. The elementary school student was set to compete in a four-round bout at atomweight, but the planned record-breaking event sparked fierce opposition from boxing’s governing bodies.
World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman took direct action to stop the bout, describing the situation on social media. “The WBC is absolutely against a proposed fight in which a 12-year-old girl is to make her pro debut,” Sulaiman stated. “We all thought it was a joke, we will fight to the bitter end to stop this atrocity.”
The WBC president revealed he personally contacted the event promoter and encountered resistance from Castan’s father, former boxer Isaac ‘Bamba’ Castan, who allegedly made various threats to ensure the bout would proceed as planned.
By Friday evening, the intervention proved successful. “I’m happy to inform that 12-year-old Romina Castan will not fight tomorrow,” Sulaiman announced. “The WBC will guide her father and support her amateur career.”
The young boxer has already demonstrated remarkable dedication to the sport, beginning her training at age eight and accumulating over 50 amateur bouts. However, the transition to professional boxing at such a young age raised serious concerns about child welfare and safety protocols.
Tigre’s Boxing Promotions, the company organizing the event, acknowledged the cancellation and expressed gratitude for the WBC’s involvement. “We appreciate the intervention of Mauricio Sulaiman and the support he will provide to the young boxer,” the promoter stated. “Romina Castan Lara continues her boxing career with our promoter and now with the full support of the WBC.”
While professional debuts before age 18 are prohibited in the United Kingdom and United States, some nations including Mexico and Thailand have permitted younger competitors to turn professional. Mexican superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez famously began his professional career at 15.
The case has reignited debates about appropriate age limits in professional boxing, with child safety advocates and medical experts expressing concerns about the physical and psychological impact of professional competition on developing minds and bodies.
The WBC’s intervention ensures that Castan’s name will not enter the record books as the youngest professional boxer, at least for now. Instead, the organization has committed to supporting her continued development through amateur competition, where she can hone her skills in a more age-appropriate environment while maintaining her Olympic eligibility for future international competition.
