By Daniel Gonzalez

Brooklyn, NY – Although most casual fans boxing fans knew nothing about Brian Castano (15-0-1, 11 KOs) coming into the fight Saturday night, the 29 year old Argentinian made a case to be considered among the top fighters in the talent filled super welterweight division.  He forced veteran Cuban southpaw and former WBA Super World titlist Erislandy Lara (25-3-3, 14 KOs), to throw the most punches he has ever thrown in a career en route to a split decision draw.

Lara intended to use this fight to bounce back into contention after losing a close decision in the 2018 Fight of the Year with Jarret Hurd, that unified the 154lb IBF and WBA titles.  However, the tough Argentinian had an alternative plan.  Castano, who’s father was a professional boxer  was set on breaking into the boxing scene by beating a former world titlist who recently lost the WBA Super World title after holding it for nearly 3 years.  Both fighers fought their hearts to achieve their respective goals, but it may take rematch between the two before either one of them get their wish.

After watching this very competitive bout, the split draw was not an offensive conclusion to this fight.  Although both fighters believed they had done enough to win the fight, depending on whether you prefer the slick boxing counter puncher or the aggressive pressure fighter, was what likely determined who you gave the edge to.  After scoring the last 3 rounds for Castano, Judge Julie Lederman saw the bout  a 114-114 draw, while Judge Kevin Morgan scored the bout 115-113 for Castano and Judge John McKaie had it 115-113 for Lara.  I believe a credible argument could be made to support any of these scores, as the bout was indeed a close one.

This marks the 3rd draw of the 35 year old Lara’s career, despite him doing  everything  he could to separate himself on the scorecards.  He threw a career high 825 punches in the fight, which is 200 more punches than his previous high punch total, but according to CompuBox, Castano landed 195 total punches to his 130.

Although this was the biggest fight of Castano’s professional career, he holds a win over Errol Spence, Jr. in the amateurs in 2011, as well as win over Sergiy Derevyanchenko in the World Series of Boxing in 2012.  This  competitive performance against Lara undoubtedly places him in the upper echelon 154lb division and should secure him many exciting fights going forward.  He did his best work in the championships rounds, and as a result was able to gain some new fans from 7,329 in attendance  at the Barclays center, as well as those tuning in on Showtime.  His aggressive, fan friendly  style, is reminiscent of his fellow countrymen Marcos Maidana and Lucas Matthysse, who gave boxing fans many great fights during their careers.

With many fighters vying for shots at the titles held by Jarrett Hurd, Jamie Munguia and Tony Harrison, there will be many fights that can be made at 154.  Who do you think will rise to the top of this packed division?  Does it belong to Jarrett Hurd or will someone step up to beat the unified champion?

Daniel Gonzalez is a Senior Boxing Writer. Dan writes for many publications including Boxing Action Magazine, www.BoxingAction24.com and www.SideStepBoxing.com