The amiable Texan still answers to “Kendo Tremendo” even though he’s on a bad run, having lost five straight. The last loss came at the hands of 10-0 Raul Curiel on Dec. 21, 2021.

Castaneda has an explanation, however. “I’m excited to make a tremendous statement back at 140 pounds,” Castaneda says, referring to the fact his last two bouts came at 147. That seven pounds is too high a hill to climb, he maintains, and 140 is where he’s comfortable. “Fighting at 140 is tremendously important. Because I am a HUGE 140!”

At various times stamina has bedeviled him, and also lapses of concentration, where he lags on basics, like keeping his hands up.

Castaneda started out 17-0, yet has never looked out of his depth in those defeats… but still. He got stopped, with a left hook to the body, in his last scrap so if this tournament isn’t Kendo’s “Last Chance,” it’s pretty close to it.