Jermell Charlo Stops Brian Castano to Become Undisputed Champion!
Undisputed status was again on the line as unified junior middleweight champ Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KO’s) took on WBO champ Brian “El Boxi” Castano (17-1-2, 12 KO’s) at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California in a highly anticipated immediate do-over. This time around however, Charlo was able to prevail by way of tenth-round stoppage.
It was a rematch of their July 2021 encounter that turned out to be one of the better fights of the year. During their first duel, Castano rocked Charlo early and had him on the back foot all night long. Charlo gained his equal pound of flesh but had to rally late to salvage a disputed draw on the judge’s scorecards.
Due to both believing that they had won, there was plenty of bad blood leading up to their second battle. Originally, the rematch was set to take place on March 19 but Castano had to withdraw due to a bicep injury. Charlo cried foul, accusing the WBO champ of faking an injury, then alleged he was taking illegal substances. Castano angrily clapped back at what he called false claims from Charlo and promised that he would make him pay once the bell rings. Sadly, for the Argentine, he was not able to make good on his vow.
BRUTAL STALEMATE
The opening round began in subdued fashion but this course of action melted away by the middle portion of the period when both fighters opened up. Castano landed more clear punches on the chin, but Charlo got in his shots and was visibly more dedicated to the body. El Boxi opened the second with a saucy straight right that clips but doesn’t hurt Charlo. Iron Man took this as motivation to resume giving extra attention to the body and used his feet well. Yet, Castano ended the period strong.
The third was a solid round for Charlo who was utilizing the ring to great effect. It was obvious that he was not going to lie on the ropes for any amount of time. While sticking and moving, the unified champion connected with a bevy of hooks to the head and torso. Iron Man was enjoying a fantastic fourth round until El Boxi came on in the final thirty seconds and bothered Charlo with several thumping hooks. For the first time, Charlo laid on the ropes for a noticeable duration.
The fifth was by far the most exciting round of the fight! El Boxi dominated the first half of the period, hammering his foe with numerous straight rights that were having effect. Just as the tide officially looked to be turning, Iron Man hurt Castano with a counter right hook. Just before the close of round the Argentine roared back to life. The WBO champion would command a dominating round in the sixth. Charlo had no answer or adjustment for the straight right that his adversary had been throwing since the first.
NO JUDGES NEEDED!
In the seventh, Charlo seemed to make the mental decision to use his feet and pick his spots rather than sellout in a war. The tactic worked well. The unified champion maintained his role of punishing matador in the eighth. Iron Man persisted with the measured approach through the tenth when he was able to catch Castano with a short, sharp left hook. The shot buckled his knees and drop him to the canvas following a delayed reaction.
El Boxi did make it to his feet, but was clearly still hurt. Nevertheless, he was allowed to continue. Naturally, Charlo pounced on him and finally forced referee Jerry Cantu’s hand in stopping the match. With the win, Jermell Charlo is now the undisputed champion of the division.
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By: Bakari Simpson
