This Saturday, an undisputed champion could be crowned in the super welterweight division when unified IBF, WBA and WBC champion Jermell Charlo (34-1) steps in the ring with WBO champion Brian Carlos Castano (17-0-1).
The winner will become the first undisputed super welterweight champion since 2004 and will be the division’s first undisputed champion in the four-belt era. They winner would also be one of only two active undisputed champions with Josh Taylor currently reigning as undisputed super lightweight champion.
Jermell Charlo first became world champion at super welterweight in May 2016 when he won the vacant WBC belt. After three successful title defenses including wins over Erickson Lubin and Austin Trout, Charlo suffered his first professional loss and his WBC belt to Tony Harrison losing via controversial unanimous decision in December 2018.
In the following December, Charlo would get his rematch with Tony Harrison coming out victorious this time around winning via 11th round stoppage.
In September, Charlo unified his WBC belt with the IBF and WBA after defeating former unified champion Jeison Rosario by 8th round knockout.
A native of Argentina, Castano worked his way up through regional fights before increasing his profile by coming over to the United States fighting on low-profile undercards.
After winning the WBA Interim Super Welterweight title, Castano went on to win the WBA Regular World title. He would vacate the belt after fighting Erislandy Lara to a draw. Castano won the WBO belt in his most recent bout against Patrick Teixeira in February when he defeated him by unanimous decision.
How Jermell Charlo becomes undisputed champion
Jermell Charlo is the most talented boxer in the super welterweight division as he has proven he could win a fight in a variety of ways. In this fight, he will need to use his ability as a technical boxer to defeat Brian Carlos Castano.
Castano is an aggressive fighter who thrives in moving his opponent back against the ropes and unleashing furious punching combinations.
To avoid this, Charlo will need to use his height and reach advantage keeping the fight at distance using his movement and well-timed shots to keep Castano at bay.
How Brian Carlos Castano becomes undisputed champion
As previously mentioned, Brian Carlos Castano is very good at being the aggressor fighting on his front foot backing his opponent against the ropes and letting his hands go.
He will need to do this to win but he will also need to remain cautious as Jermell Charlo not only has the boxing ability to control a fight, but he also has the power to turn a fight in his favor.
If Charlo is the aggressor in the fight and Castano is forced to fight backing up, Charlo will walk away undisputed champion.
In addition, Castano will need to have a fast start as he can not afford to be down on the scorecards going into the later rounds as getting a knockout on Charlo would be a lot to ask of any fighter.
Prediction
Jermell Charlo will have the experience advantage as he has previously beaten three different world champions while this will only be Brian Carlos Castano’s second fight against a former/current world champion.
This is a great opportunity for Castano to make a name for himself against Charlo who many will tag as not only the best fighter in the division but also one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
With that being said, Charlo is the overwhelming favorite going into the fight and will prove why taking the unanimous decision victory on his way to being crowned undisputed super welterweight champion.
Start time/How to Watch
- When: July 17, 2021
- Start time: 9:00 PM EST
- How to watch: Showtime
