If you’re a boxing fan, lock in Saturday’s fight between Jermell Charlo and Brian Carlos Castano as a must-see.
The WBO, WBA, IBF and WBC Super Welterweight titles are on the line in San Antonio in the bout between fighters who haven’t made a habit of losing.
Current online sportsbook favorite Charlo has suffered just one loss in his 34-fight career. Castano has yet to taste defeat, so it makes for a mouth-watering fight and all eyes will be on the AT&T Center.
Charlo Fights Back From Defeat
Charlo has had a plethora of high-profile fights throughout his lengthy career. The 31-year-old has fought names such as Demetrius Hopkins, Charles Hatley, Tony Harrison and Jeison Rosario.
His only loss came to Harrison in 2018 by unanimous decision, but he didn’t let the loss get to him. He replied with a knockout win over Jorge Cota before scoring a knockout victory in the rematch against Harrison in 2019 to reclaim the WBC Welterweight title.
Two more belts were added to his arsenal when he defeated Rosario last September, so his ability to handle his first defeat was incredible.
Jermell Charlo fight week. pic.twitter.com/iJ11Di2wbo
— Ty Paul (@tyjpaul) July 12, 2021
The confident fighter is keen to get in the ring and continue to show the world what he can deliver.
“This is the most important time of my life. I love this. I’ve been doing this since I was a kid,” Charlo told NY Fights. “My experience inside and outside of the ring has all led up to this. Now is the time for me to put it all on the line. I love my home state of Texas and I love fighting there. We’re bred differently. We’re a state that’s fought our own wars.
“This is huge. It’s a legacy fight for me and I’m ready for it. I’ve been feeling really good in training camp. Better than I’ve ever felt. I’m in my prime right now and I feel stronger fight by fight. I’ve been developing every camp.
“You’re going to see a more developed Jermell Charlo on July 17. I guarantee you’re going to see a top pound-for-pound fighter. At any point, this fight could be over with.”
Boxing betting markets have Charlo at -230 to beat Castano, an opponent that Charlo isn’t underestimating.
“Castano is going to leave everything in the ring. So we’re not playing any games. I’ve been training really hard,” Charlo said. “I’ve added things that have made me better because I know for a fact that this is going to be a great fight.”
Castano Can’t Be Overlooked
The Argentine owns a 17-0-1 record, and although his recent record is underwhelming, he hasn’t been dodging the tough opponents.
Castano fought and defeated Michel Soro in a five-star fight in 2017, which saw him retain the WBA title. He took care of the experienced Cedric Vitu before scoring a draw against Erislandy Lara at Barclays Center.
Erislandy Lara says he’s still interested in title fights at junior middleweight: “I felt strong and sharp tonight at middleweight, but I still want all of the big fights at 154-pounds too. I want the winner of the Jermell Charlo-Brian Carlos Castano unification fight.”
— Carlos Toro (@CarlosToroMedia) May 2, 2021
The draw was controversial, as they always are, but his form since has been solid without being amazing. The 31-year-old defeated Wale Omotoso when he retired in Round 5 before scoring a unanimous decision victory over Patrick Teixeira.
Of his 17 career wins, 12 have come by knockout. And, much like his opponent, he’s confident of scoring a victory at outsider boxing odds of +190.
“It’s going to be a tough fight between two great champions,” Castano said. “Charlo is strong and a good boxer but he never suffered in the ring before. He will on July 17.
“My prediction is that I am going to win and he will suffer.”
It’s a big but unsurprising claim from Castano, who has been in the ring against tough opponents. He hasn’t come out of nowhere to fight for four titles, so bettors shouldn’t overlook his chances.
Charlo vs Castano Pick
Our pick is for Charlo to score a late knockout win against Castano. We respect Castano’s ability to stay in the fight, but class and power should prevail.
Charlo not only has supreme confidence, but he has been able to knock out his recent opponents, unlike Castano.
Power should be the difference and Charlo has it in spades. The -230 odds are a short quote to bet online, but the favorite should do it justice.
