By Miguel Rivera
Robinson Castellanos (21-10, 13KOs) was confirmed by the World Boxing Council as the new mandatory challenger to the WBC featherweight championship, which is currently held by Gary Russell Jr. Castellanos and his team are now waiting for the WBC to set the deadlines for the free negotiations period and, if necessary, the date of the purse bid.
There has not been a mandatory defense of the WBC featherweight title for two years. Abner Mares back in 2013 made a voluntary defense and was knocked out in one by Jhonny Gonzalez, who last month took a voluntary and was stopped in the fourth by Russell.
Castellanos won a final eliminator earlier this year with his hard-fought decision over veteran Rocky Juarez.
The challenger stated: "I'm content with the position of the WBC, as it is a serious and honorable sanctioning body and right now I'm only expecting the negotiations, I plan to prepare thoroughly and fulfill my dream of becoming world champion."
