Local MMA fighter Castle Williams set to debut as a pro
Call goes out to business community for sponsorship opportunities
Pit North Owner and Head Trainer Castle Williams is in need of sponsorships as he trains for his first professional MMA fight at Tachi Palace on June 19.
Pit North Owner and Head Trainer Castle Williams is well-known among locals for his prowess in the ring as an amateur fighter. Now, as he trains for his first professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fight at Tachi Palace on Thursday, June 19, Williams is looking to business owners and individuals throughout San Luis Obispo County to support him during a sponsorship drive.
On Easter Sunday, Williams, 19, had a setback to his training routine when he had his gear bag stolen. Since then, the Templeton High School graduate has been working hard to replace the items including gloves, shin guards, head gear and running shoes.
“So on top of all of the routine costs and expenses of getting ready for an MMA fight, he has also been trying to piece together his gear bag,” his mom and manager, Julie Williams, said. “A fighter’s gear is very expensive and it becomes a part of the fighter; those are his tools. He will be ready for his debut fight either way, but this has been a nuisance.”
William’s professional contract with Tachi Palace was signed shortly after he won the World Bantam Weight amateur title in February. He describes signing the contract as “a dream come true.”
“They have signed some big names at Tachi such as Ian McCall,” Williams said. “I have wanted to become a pro since I was 13 and now it’s happening. My fights as an amateur helped gear me up for this moment.”
Templeton High School graduate and local MMA fighter Castle Williams earn the amateur 145 -lb World Bantam Weight title and belt on Feb. 8.
To help her son gain sponsorships, Julie is putting out a call to the community. All funds are due by Monday, June 9. Three sponsorship levels are currently available:
• Level 3 – Bronze $250: name or one color business logo on the back of Castle’s walkout shirt, and social media recognition.
• Level 2 – Silver $500: name or full color business logo on Castle’s walkout banner, name or one color business logo on the back of Castle’s walkout shirt, and social media recognition.
• Level 1 – Gold $1000+:name or one color business logo on Castle’s fight shorts, name or full color business logo on Castle’s walkout banner, name or one color business logo on the back of Castle’s walkout shirt, and social media recognition.
“If you own a business, or know someone who owns a business, this is a relatively inexpensive way to get some great advertising,” Julie said.
As far as focusing on his training for his debut as a professional MMA fighter, Williams said having the support of his friends and family as well as the local business community – Staci at The Barber Shop in Atascadero and the folks at Bliss Massage and Body Therapy to name a couple – has helped him to keep the incident of his stolen gear in the back of his mind. As his mom gathers funds, Williams is keeping to a strict training schedule while also teaching all of the kid classes and a few adult classes at The Pit.
“I want to leave a big impression when I fight at Tachi Palace,” he said, adding, “I want to blow the roof off that place! I am not in this to be second – I want to be a standout in my sport.”
Castle Williams sports his amateur 145-lb World Bantam Weight belt.
More about Castle Williams
Castle Williams trains under the legendary John Hackleman at Pit Headquarters in Arroyo Grande and is the youngest owner, at only 19 years of age, of a Pit Gym. On Dec. 7, 2013, Williams earned notoriety when won his King of the Cage, Future Legends 19 fight in Las Vegas by guillotine submission 2 minutes 22 seconds into the very first round. The win brought his amateur MMA record to 6-0. Less than a week later, he was offered a title shot at the 145-lb belt championship bout; he fight took place on Feb. 8 of this year. During the first round of the fight, Williams defeated his opponent with a rear naked choke to earn the World Bantam Weight title and belt as 70+ onlookers from the Central Coast cheered him on. He finished his amateur career undefeated with a 7-0 record.
For more information, call 466-1414 or stop by The Pit North, located at 3230 El Camino Real in Atascadero. Follow Williams as he prepares for his debut professional fight on: Twitter@castlewilliams or thepitnorth.com. Tickets for Williams’ fight against Cameron Ramirez at Tachi Palace in Lemoore on June 19 are available at The Pit North or online at www.tachipalace.com.
Comments
