Robinson Castellanos Drills Derrick Wilson In Six

By Jake Donovan

Robinson Castellanos became the mandatory challenger to the featherweight belt held by Jhonny Gonzalez after stopping Derrick Wilson in six rounds Saturday evening in Cancun, Mexico.

Castellanos scored two knockdowns, ending the fight for good at 1:26 of the sixth round.

The fight was somewhat competitive through the first four rounds, typical of Wilson's career pattern. The Florida-based spoiler has endured an up-and-down career, but several highlight reel moments to get him to this point. His most recent performance - a surprise decision win over previously unbeaten Braulio Santos this past June - showed his worth beyond the fringe level.

Castellanos was forced to learn this the hard way early on, but overcame a few brief and minor scares to eventually overwhelm the American. The beginning of the end came in round five, when Wilson was willed to the canvas after dramatically slowing down.

There was no coming back for the visiting challenger, who was sent back down in round six courtesy of a left hook and an overhand right which connected on the temple. Wilson took the full ten count, though up as the count reach ten, an indication that he simply had the fight beaten out of him.

Castellanos continues to enjoy one of the most incredible career turnarounds in recent memory. Once upon a time, the Mexican was an uninspiring 8-9 and a mere afterthought in the grand scheme of things.

Three years and eleven wins later, the 31-year old is now a bona fide contender. He improves to 19-9 (12KO) and now awaits the winner of the ordered rematch between Jhonny Gonzalez and Abner Mares, which has yet to be finalized.

Wilson dips to 10-5-2 (3KO), having now lost three of his last four.

Local super featherweight Juan Dominguez enjoyed a successful pro debut with a 2nd round stoppage of Fernando Aqua (0-2). Dominguez overwhelmed his hapless foe in the opening round and had him out on his feet before the referee intervened at 2:05 of round two.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com, as well as the Records Keeper for the Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and a member of Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox