Undisputed 154lb bout set for a re-run – Jermell Charlo v Brian Carlos Castaño II Fight Preview

Jermell Charlo and Brian Castaño are set to put on a blockbuster event for boxing fans tonight, in the follow up to their epic twelve-rounder last year. The duo will both be looking to improve on the split draw decision last time out, with the much-anticipated rematch deciding the real identity of the undisputed champion.

The First Showdown

18 July, 2021 marked a significant date in the boxing calendar. A Texan crowd of over 18,000 spectators watched on as Charlo and Castaño put on a spectacular show, leaving many bewildered as to how an early finish never came. The fight was embedded in many viewers’ minds as one of the best of the year, despite a controversial decision from the judges’ scorecards.

The Argentinian came out the blocks flying, immediately walking his opponent down and pushing him against the ropes. Castaño was certainly the smaller, lesser-known boxer, but he utilised this to his advantage and took the fight to Charlo straight from the bell. This pace-setting style went on for multiple rounds, to the point where his counterpart nearly dropped to the canvas halfway through the third (resulting in a short stoppage from the referee). Castaño continuously jabbed at Charlo’s jaw, setting up a series of slashing hooks from both sides which seemed to affect the American. The tactic certainly seemed like quantity over quality, and ‘Iron Man’ was forced to show great heart and desire to remain standing.

On the occasions where Charlo landed shots of his own, his size and reach advantage caused Castaño’s legs to repeatedly begin wobbling. The 31-year-old did struggle to set up any rhythm throughout the rounds, but he showcased his notorious power in bursts on multiple occasions, which ultimately earned him a generous number of points on the scorecards.

After twelve gruelling rounds, the tie was concluded as a split draw, with the judges scoring the contest 117-111, 114-114, 113-114. The result was heavily scrutinised by large sections of the sport’s ever-vocal fanbase, aimed at Nelson Vasquez in particular, who judged Charlo to have won in a convincing fashion.

The Rematch

Ten months later and the decider is here. This weekend’s winner will become the first-ever undisputed 154lb champion in the four-belt era, adding greater significance to an already important super welterweight fight.

Charlo goes into the bout as the odds-on favourite, but many will believe it’s Castaño’s belt to lose. If the Argentinian remains composed while advancing, leaving few openings for his opponent to strike, then he could emerge victorious in true underdog fashion.

For Charlo, his main improvement will need to be his combinations, something coach Derrick James has already discussed. As previously mentioned, ‘Iron Man’ was unable to employ a regular tempo in the first fight, and his team will have needed to identify which strikes to throw at what time, so they can break up Castaño’s relentless pressing game.

The fight is being showcased on Showtime, and UK viewers will have to wait up until approximately 4:00am for the main event, with the main card starting around two hours before that.

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