Ukashir Farooq Dominates Luis Castillo
WBC #14 ranked contender Ukashir “Untouchable” Farooq has been in “recuperation mode” since his close decision loss to top bantamweight contender Lee McGregor in 2019. He now continues his climb up the rankings by picking up the WBC International minor title with a win over unknown Mexican Luis “La Sombra” Castillo.
UKASHIR FAROOQ (16-1, 6KO)
Farooq blazed through the bantamweight domestic level circuit early in his career. In his ninth pro fight, he captured the BBBofC bantamweight title in a first round KO win over Jamie Wilson. Much like Wilson, several fighters like Duane Winters, Iain Butcher and Kyle Williams were considered on the same level as Farooq but were never the same or became inactive after taking one-sided loses to Pakistani born fighter. He looks to regain that fire with a win over Castillo.
LUIS CASTILLO (28-3, 18KO)
Castillo does not present the kind of challenge one would expect given his record. Actually, the most interesting thing about him is he is a fighter who is deaf and mute. This birthed him the nickname “La Sombra” or “The Shadow”.
While he boasts a respectable record, a deeper look into his resume suggests he would be a tune-up for Farooq. Castillo has never fought outside of Mexico and his level of competition has been sub-par at best. He does, however, bring a big punch to this contest, gaining eighteen of his 28 victories by knockout. Furthermore, we have seen many Mexican fighters make a name for themselves when the venture over to the British lands!
AN EXPECTED WIN
As anticipated, there wasn’t much for Farooq to worry about in this fight other than being able to take the power of The Shadow. Once that became evident he could take the power after the first couple of overhand rights landed early, it was smooth sailing for the 25 year-old British contender. On paper, he was superior in every facet outside of raw power and it showed in this fight.
Castillo’s nickname did not live up to it’s expectations. He was more of a rock than a shadow as he displayed nothing more than a one-dimensional, come-forward style. It is clear he relies heavily on his power as his boxing fundamentals were not on a level expected of a professional fighter. This led to him running into big counters as he followed the ever -moving Farooq around the ring. The good thing about the Mexican was his motor and his chin. No matter what, he just kept coming. It paid off to an extent as he landed some big shots at different points in the fight.
While people at Matchroom Boxing applauded Farooq for his head movement over social media, this and staying in the pocket a bit too long at times contributed to him not leaving the fight unscathed even though he was dominant. Castillo’s right hand and his jab landed enough times to cause a cut on Farooq. However, The Shadow just couldn’t hurt his opponent. Also the damage Farooq was handing out was much greater and looked much prettier behind the huge hand-speed and ring I.Q. advantage.
Farooq now has one thing on his mind; a big fight, preferably a rematch with Lee McGregor!
By: EJ Williams
