Jermell Charlo and Brian Castano entered Saturday night’s fight in San Antonio, knowing the winner would become the first undisputed super welterweight champion of the four-belt era. But 12 action-packed rounds and a controversial decision later, the official decision was a split draw.
Jermall Charlo was the favorite in the boxing match that took place in his home state of Texas. But the three-belt champion seemed to struggle early against relentless pressure from Castano.
Brian Castano controlled much of the fight over the first nine rounds. He was also able to win over much of the crowd in the process.
Charlo changed the course of the boxing match with a thunderous left hook in the tenth round. The fight fans assembled at AT&T Center took to their feet in anticipation of a Charlo knockout. Charlo, a dangerous puncher, landed more big shots in the round but could not finish the Argentinian champion.
Charlo dominated the 11th and 12th rounds to secure a clean sweep of the last quarter of the fight. But many fans in attendance felt Brian Castano was the winner of a highly entertaining contest.
One of the three judges scored the fight 114-113 for Castano. A second judge saw the boxing match even after twelve rounds with a 114-114 score. The third judge ignited the controversy with a 117-111 score for Charlo.
“I believe I won the fight,” Charlo explained at the post-fight press conference. “I should be undisputed right now.”
Brian Castano was equally convinced that he was the winner following the championship fight. “I feel they robbed me,” Castano minced no words. Castano called Charlo a “big puncher.” He admits to being hurt but says, “I survived. I won the fight.”
Most boxing fans agree that a second fight between Jermell Charlo and Brian Castano should happen soon. “I want the rematch,” Castano said before adding, “He has three belts that should be mine.”
“I don’t know when,” Charlo added. “But I would love to get back in there with him.”