Miami-based trainer Eric ‘El Tigre’ Castaños knows too well about fighter-trainer breakups

Fighter-trainer partnerships rarely go the distance. At some point in a fighter’s career comes the inevitable change of corner leadership.

For one Muhammad Ali-Angelo Dundee union, which formed during the early stages of the legendary heavyweight champion’s career and lasted until his final fight in 1981, splits between fighter and trainer are as common as a one-two combination.

The immediate fallout of the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder heavyweight title bout on Feb. 22 not only involved Wilder’s decision to opt for a third fight with the new champion. Wilder is expected to utilize the rematch clause as stipulated in his contract.

Another important byproduct from the bout was the status of Mark Breland as Wilder’s co-trainer. After watching his weakened fighter absorb two knockdowns and gradual beating through the first six rounds, Breland threw in the towel that stopped the fight and ended Wilder’s title reign.

Wilder disagreed with the stoppage, claiming he wanted to “go out on his shield.” Co-trainer Jay Deas didn’t help Breland’s cause either by agreeing with the now dethroned champion with his supporting post-fight remarks.

Breland’s tenure with Wilder appeared finished until Wilder confirmed late last week that he will remain on his team.

Miami-based trainer Eric “El Tigre” Castaños knows too well about fighter-trainer breakups. Two months ago, Castaños underwent his own separation from unbeaten heavyweight prospect Frank Sanchez.

Under Castaños, Sanchez transitioned to professional boxing after an amateur career in his native Cuba. Castaños believed he had formed a growing allegiance with Sanchez. Since his professional debut in 2017, Sanchez has won 14 bouts with 11 knockouts and his recent matches landed on the televised segment of Premier Boxing Champions’ broadcasts.

But soon after his victory over Jack Mulowayi on Oct. 26, Sanchez moved his camp to San Diego, where he is now trained by Chepo and Eddy Reynoso, the father-son duo known for guiding Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’s career.

The new partnership makes its debut Saturday night in Brooklyn. Sanchez will face Joey Dawejko in a scheduled 10-round bout televised on Fox.

“This caught me by complete surprise,” Castaños said of Sanchez’s departure. “Frank had accomplished so much while he worked with us. He learned the fundamentals of the professional game, especially the difference between throwing punches as an amateur and professional. I kept telling everyone he was two fights away from a world-title opportunity.”

Castaños understands the business interests linked to fighters’ decisions. Sanchez’s San Diego-based adviser Guadalupe Valencia also has ties to the Reynosos.

“When Frank first told me about going to San Diego, he said it was for a four-day visit,” Castaños said. “But I found out quickly that it became more than a brief visit. It hurt at first. Our dream was to take Frank to the world title.”

Although he won’t work Sanchez’s bout Saturday, Castaños said he and the fighter continue to talk.

“We maintain lines of communication, keeping in touch at least once a week,” Castaños said. “If he asks for my advice, I give it to him. I still have a great amount of affection toward him. He will always have a home here in my gym.”

AROUND THE RING

Sunrise resident Xander Zayas returned to his roots Friday night and made another strong impression in his young professional career. Zayas, 17, scored a third-round technical knockout over Marklin Bailey in Zayas’ native Puerto Rico.

Zayas outclassed Bailey (6-7) with lead jabs and combinations to the head and body. The punch buildup opened a cut above Bailey’s right eye and eventually forced referee Roberto Ramirez to stop the welterweight fight at 1:14 of the third.

After a decorated amateur career highlighted by multiple national championships, Zayas is now 4-0 with three knockouts since his professional debut last October.

COMING UP

Friday (11:30 p.m., Telemundo-Ch. 51): Armando Torres vs. Juan Alejo, 10, flyweights.

Saturday (8 p.m., Fox-Ch. 7): Adam Kownacki vs. Robert Helenius, 12, heavyweights; Frank Sanchez vs. Joey Dawejko, 10, heavyweights.