WBA/WBC and IBF champion Jermell Charlo is a strong favorite over WBO king Brian Castano but while Charlo's favoritism is deserved on his resume', Castano is an underdog that may prove the old adage that styles make fights and also decide them.
Charlo holds wins over several of the best in the division with wins over Austin Trout, Tony Harrison (avenging his only loss to Harrison that I thought he won), Erickson Lubin, and took away the WBA and IBF titles in his last win over Jeison Rosario.
Castano won his title over Patrick Teixeira in his last fight, but his most impressive effort may have been a draw against Erislandy Lara that was very close.
Charlo has improved his power as his career progressed with stoppages in his last three wins and seven of his last nine. While Castano didn't stop Teixeira in his title victory, he did have him on the verge of a stoppage in each of the final two rounds.
Castano may have the best style to face a Charlo as he presses the attack, throws many punches, and makes his opponent fight off his back foot.
If Castano can approach his regular punch output (around seventy a round, I've been told), Charlo could be in a tougher fight than the betting public thinks.
However, Charlo is the bigger puncher and I could see him giving away a few rounds before hitting an incoming Castano with a right hand to end the fight.
Charlo's ability to work Castano's body may enter into the result, Castano is a fighter that keeps his gloves high, so bodywork early may pay later in the fight.
I'm very anxious to see this encounter and especially with a four-title champion emerging from the fray.
The co-feature is a minor lightweight title fight between Rolando Romero and Anthony Yigit.
The undefeated Romero overpowered Avery Sparrow in seven rounds but looked very ordinary in a controversial decision win over Jackson Marinez in his previous fight.
Yigit is a late replacement for the injured Austin Dulay, but despite only one loss in twenty-six fights, that loss was to the only top opponent in his career, being stopped in seven in the first round of the WBSS by Ivan Baranchyk.
Yigit is also dropping from junior welterweight for this fight, so that could be a factor to watch.
In the boxing challenge, I lead Ramon Malpica 98-89.
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