By Elisinio Castillo
Former two divisions world champion Sergio Martinez of Argentina has advised his countryman, Brian Castano (14-0, 10 KOs), to stay away from Erislandy Lara (25-2-2, 14 KOs) - at least for now.
The World Boxing Association recently ordered Lara to make a mandatory defense against Castano.
Lara holds the WBA's "super" title at 154-pounds. Castano won the interim belt and then defended it against Michel Soro. He was then promoted to "regular" champion when Demetrius Andrade - who held that title - vacated to move up to middleweight.
Martinez believes Castano is lacking the proper experience to deal with a fighter on the level of Lara - who is widely regarded as very tricky fighter and sitting at the throne at 154.
Lara has faced some of the biggest names at the weight and lost two very close decisions, which many felt were controversial, to Canelo Alvarez and Paul Williams.
He recently dominated undefeated Unites States Olympian Terrell Gausha.
"Castano can fight with anyone, it's a very difficult fight," Martinez said.
"I would like this fight to be made in a few years. Because then Brian Castano would be more mature in mind and body, he would have more experience, while at the same time Lara will continue to grow in age. I'm sorry that a lot of people do not like Floyd Mayweather's business plan of when he faced Pacquiao, but we should learn from him. Mayweather knew how to wait [and make that fight at the right time]. You have to do the same thing sometimes. You have to copy the model, if you can.
"I think that Lara is a lot for Castano right now. I think that is not the best option for him to take at this moment in time. And if the fight is done, I will be the number one fan of Brian Castano as I motivate him from the front row."
