In an epic battle between two of boxing’s elite, WBA, WBC and IBF Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo and WBO counterpart Brian Castano battled to a 12-round split decision draw at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Both Charlo (34-1-1, 18 KOs) and Castano (17-0-2, 12 KOs) laid it all on the line in their quest to become the first ever undisputed 154-pound champion in the four-belt era.
“The win is what I wanted to hear,” said Charlo. “I won this fight. I hurt him way more than he did to me. Castano is a real warrior. But my power is serious at this weight division.”
Both champions flashed their power early on. Castano was staggered by a counter left hook in the second. He returned the favor in the third, buckling Charlo with his own left hook toward the end of the frame.
Houston’s Charlo found success in the middle rounds by boxing and moving from the outside. Castano was just as effective when he was able to maneuver Charlo toward the ropes and unload rapid-fire combinations. The Argentine kept Charlo on the defensive for much of the ninth, focusing his attack to the body.
Immediately after that round, Charlo trainer Derrick James implored his fighter to pick up the pace. Charlo responded with his best round in the 10th, bouncing off the ropes with a left hook that left Castano on shaky legs for much of the stanza. In the penultimate round, Charlo picked up where he left off, landing more big shots on a tentative Castano.
“My coach told me I needed the knockout in the ninth round and I just knew he knew what he was talking about,” said Charlo. “I trust my coach. This comes with boxing – wins, losses and draws.”
After 12 rounds the judge’s scores were split, with a score of 117-111 for Charlo, 114-113 for Castano and a 114-114 draw, ending the fight in a split-decision draw.
“He threw a hell of a lot of punches. My skills and my ability and my power - I felt like I won this fight and I deserve to be going home undisputed,” said Charlo.
“I am glad to have fought for undisputed. It’s different. I still hold my titles. I can’t wait to get home to my babies, take a break from boxing and then get back to the drawing board and see what’s next. I want to be undisputed. That’s what I want. That’s my destiny.”