Buckle up for Jermell Charlo v Brian Castano II.
Charlo claims he will be a different proposition after last year’s split decision draw in the super welterweight unification showdown. It must be hoped the judging improves too. Castano thought he won in San Antonio. I agree, but it was very close.
One judge scored it level, one scored it 114-113 Castano and a third scored it 117-111 for Charlo. In a brilliant fight so obviously close a score with that wide a margin did not feel right. Governing bodies must take a serious look at scoring and in cases of obvious variance ask judges to explain their conclusions in front of a panel.
Go through the fight round by round. The judges are all watching from the same position, seeing the same fight. There needs to be much more scrutiny. And universal rules across all governing bodies.
We can’t have judges being partial. Asking them to account for their scores, and downgrading those who fail to convince would go some way to eliminating bias, unconscious or otherwise.
If the rematch follows the same pattern and the judging is on point, you would expect Castano to get his due in California.
Like all Argentinian boxers Castano is as tough as they come. Though buzzed once by Charlo, the majority of blows just bounced off him, so he knows he can take Charlo’s power.
He also knows Charlo is busting a gut to make weight. The way to beat him is to put your foot on the gas and attack, as he did so brilliantly in San Antonio.
Charlo is a bully in the ring. He likes to hit you with two or three shots to let you feel his power and put the fear of god into you. But this guy has no fear and laughed off Charlo’s best punches.
Charlo will have to improve to win. He has to be more dominant instead of sitting back on the ropes. He knows Castano won’t blow himself out and has to boss it from the centre of the ring as he did to close the deficit at the end of the first fight.
The WBC, WBA and IBF champion has more power and all the physical attributes. WBO champ Castano relies on volume, stamina, and a great chin.
Charlo can find another gear but must walk the walk this time. These titles have never been unified in the four-belt era. So the winner will go down in history.
Charlo has greatness in him, but he has to earn his elevation.
Follow Barry on Twitter at @ClonesCyclone @McGuigans_Gym
