Avila Perspective, Chap. 144: Charlo & Castano Battle for Undisputed! and More

A head bangers banquet takes place this weekend in San Antonio with Jermell Charlo and Brian Castano clashing for undisputed status as the true super welterweight world champion.

“This is huge. It’s a legacy fight for me and I’m ready for it,” says Charlo.

Charlo (34-1, 18 KOs) may not flaunt the knockout percentage of Argentina’s Castano (17-0-1, 12 KOs) when they meet on Saturday, July 17, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, but power can be overrated. Showtime will televise this battle for the WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF world titles at 154 pounds.

One thing about Argentine fighters, is when they come to the US, you know they can truly fight. Promoters are not wasting their money to bring up a scrub. Castano recently bullied Brazil’s Patrick Teixeira for 12 rounds in taking the WBO title away this past February.

“I am aware that people may not know me, but I’m here to create my own path and pave my own way. I know that I haven’t fought that much lately and maybe that’s part of the reason why people don’t know me, but I turned down fights against opponents that weren’t of the caliber that I wanted to face,” said Castano, 31. “My goal has always been to go up against the best of the best and the elite of my division. I have that chance now and I’m going to prove why I deserve this chance and why I’m worth following.”

On the other corner Charlo has three world titles and more to lose.

“I’ve got belts on belts and he’s got one belt. I’m ready to take that strap too. I’ve been paying attention to what he’s been doing. I haven’t just been sitting around since I fought Jeison Rosario. I’ve been working,” said Charlo who is also 31 years old. “Not a lot of people get these opportunities. This fight is going to solidify a lot of different things in people’s minds about the Charlos.”

After years of chasing greatness Charlo knows a victory can launch him to another stratosphere.

“This is a major fight because it’s history for me and my family,” said Charlo. “The belts and the money are not on my mind. What’s on my mind is the legacy.”

Castano has the same view.

“I’m a world champion and Charlo is a world champion. The chance to become undisputed is just 10 days away and I can’t wait,” Castano said. “It’s for four belts, undisputed at 154 pounds. It’s a great opportunity for my team, my manager, my family and most importantly, for me. This will be the hardest fight of my career.”

Other Bouts

Several other big hitters are involved on the Showtime fight card including Rolly Romero (13-0, 11 KOs) looking to tame boxing ingenue Anthony Yigit (24-1-1, 5 KOs) of Sweden in a lightweight bout.

Romero, 25, fights out of Las Vegas, Nevada and has been chasing fellow Las Vegan Devin Haney the last couple of years. He needs an impressive showing against Yigit who has elite boxing ability.

Another interesting bout features middleweight bomber Amilcar Vidal (12-0, 12 KOs) who has never won a fight by decision. All of his victories came via knockout. Veteran Immanuwel Aleem (18-2-2, 11 KOs) is looking to snap Vidal’s knockout streak.

Also on the undercard that will not be shown is Southern California’s Pablo “The Shark” Rubio. He was backed by former Los Angeles Lakers great Metta Sandiford-Artest, formerly Ron Artest.

Jake in LA

Jake Paul recently held a press conference in Los Angeles to promote his upcoming challenge against former MMA fighter Tyron Woodley that takes place on Sunday, Aug. 29, in Cleveland. It will be shown on Showtime pay-per-view.

It was a lively exchange of verbal hand grenades but the two are expected to bring a huge audience when they fight.

Recently, Paul’s brother Logan Paul drew massive numbers in his exhibition against Floyd Mayweather. This confrontation should draw large numbers too. The brothers Paul bring a different type of audience altogether.

Jake Paul said he’s worked out incessantly with pro fighters like J’Leon Love who was present at the L.A. press conference at the Novo Theater at LA Live.

“I think the secret is out of the bag. I’m sparring some of the best fighters in the world. When I knock out Tyron, people are going to say that I’m the ‘Real Deal’ like Amanda Serrano. I’m going to take Tyron into deep waters and drown him,” said Paul.

Serrano is also on the ppv telecast meeting Yamileth Mercado in a Puerto Rico versus Mexico showdown for the WBC and WBO featherweight world titles.

“Puerto Rico and Mexico always bring fireworks when they fight each other,” said Serrano.

The Paul-Woodley fight card will be held at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio.

Fights to Watch

Sat. Showtime 6 p.m. Jermell Charlo (34-1) vs Brian Castano (17-0-1).

Sat. FITE.TV 6:30 p.m. Serhii Bohachuk (18-1) vs Brandon Baue (16-23).

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