Brian Castano vs. Erislandy Lara - March 2, 2019

[Ruthless-RKO]

Seems like we’re getting a lot of draws recently.. when it’s too close, a draw is satisfactory. Both will feel they did just enough to win.

[locoxelbox]

I´m a bit confused…

According to Fightnews:
All three judges had Lara winning the final three rounds.

According to ESPN (Dan Rafael):
Castano got the draw with a strong late-fight kick. He won the final four rounds on Morgan's card to edge ahead of Lara, and he won the final three rounds on Lederman's card to get a draw from her. McKaie also gave Castano the last three rounds, but Castano came up just short on his scorecard.


Somebody obviously got it wrong...I had Lara winning the 10th and 12th with Castano taking the 11th so I´m unsure who swept the final rounds but would guess Lara...

I had it 115-113 Castano but I´m perfectly fine with the draw because many rounds were hard to score.

[armageto]

Not impressed with Castona honestly.

I completely disagree.

Castano has maximized his potential at LMW. The kid is the size of a LWW (67” reach, 5’7”) and he has made himself a career out of getting in there with much larger men, out boxing them, and out working them.

A draw was just last night but it was Castano who made that fight, and it was Castano who finished stronger against one of the most skilled boxers in the sport who also had a 2” height and 8” reach advantage.

Castano has excellent boxing skills, and huge heart. I am very impressed by him.

I agree with Ironbeard. The reach advantage for Lara was tremendous. Still, Castano was able to penetrate through Lara's tough defense and get some decent work done inside. I was actually hoping for a draw when the 3rd scorecard was being announced by Jimmy Lennon Jr.

We just agree to disagree then. He was at some physical disadvantages, but on the other side of the coin, it was against an older Lara. Would he have the same success against the Lara of Paul Williams or Canelo? Will his style of coming forward and out working guys work against guys who do it better in Hurd/Munguia, who will both be even physically bigger than him compared to Lara?

I'm not saying the guy is garbage, just for an undefeated champ, with an AM's background, I expected more from him the first time seeing him. I don't recall him landing one shot that backed up his KO%. A lot of the night he was just throwing punches that were getting blocked or missed. I didn't care for his jab. He came back into the fight the last third of it against a Lara who lost a lot of tread on the tires. He's a work rate guy, which is fine. I just don't think he can beat the best guys in the division. I thought an older Lara beat him last night so a younger one would have definitely won. My first time seeing him and from what I heard on him, I just expected more from him, I guess.

[SenorPipino]

I scored it the way it came out: 114-114 a draw.

Lara had more skill left in the tank than I thought he might.

But like most older fighters, he faded down the stretch of a 12 rounder costing him the victory.

Punch stats strongly favored Castano. A rematch would favor the younger, busier fighter, who probably learned quite a bit from this fight

[ironbeard]

Not impressed with Castona honestly.

I completely disagree.

Castano has maximized his potential at LMW. The kid is the size of a LWW (67” reach, 5’7”) and he has made himself a career out of getting in there with much larger men, out boxing them, and out working them.

A draw was just last night but it was Castano who made that fight, and it was Castano who finished stronger against one of the most skilled boxers in the sport who also had a 2” height and 8” reach advantage.

Castano has excellent boxing skills, and huge heart. I am very impressed by him.

I agree with Ironbeard. The reach advantage for Lara was tremendous. Still, Castano was able to penetrate through Lara's tough defense and get some decent work done inside. I was actually hoping for a draw when the 3rd scorecard was being announced by Jimmy Lennon Jr.

We just agree to disagree then. He was at some physical disadvantages, but on the other side of the coin, it was against an older Lara. Would he have the same success against the Lara of Paul Williams or Canelo? Will his style of coming forward and out working guys work against guys who do it better in Hurd/Munguia, who will both be even physically bigger than him compared to Lara?

I'm not saying the guy is garbage, just for an undefeated champ, with an AM's background, I expected more from him the first time seeing him. I don't recall him landing one shot that backed up his KO%. A lot of the night he was just throwing punches that were getting blocked or missed. I didn't care for his jab. He came back into the fight the last third of it against a Lara who lost a lot of tread on the tires. He's a work rate guy, which is fine. I just don't think he can beat the best guys in the division. I thought an older Lara beat him last night so a younger one would have definitely won. My first time seeing him and from what I heard on him, I just expected more from him, I guess.

Fair assessment.

It played out pretty much the way I expected. I mentioned prior to the fight that his power is not representative of his ko %. At this level it is not special, being nothing more than cumulative.

I agree that a younger Lara would likely have clearly outpointed him, and that Hurd and Charlo will likely defeat him. However, I am impressed with his boxing skills, having watched five or six of his fights. He controls distance for his diminutive size with excellent footwork and elusive head movement.

He maximizes his gifts and skill. He is one of the very best boxers to come out of Argentina. It is too bad that he cannot drop down to welter and face fighters more his own size. I would love to see him v Porter, Danny and some of the others.

That said, he is no easy out at 154 given his excellent skills and solid chin.

[armageto]

Not impressed with Castona honestly.

I completely disagree.

Castano has maximized his potential at LMW. The kid is the size of a LWW (67” reach, 5’7”) and he has made himself a career out of getting in there with much larger men, out boxing them, and out working them.

A draw was just last night but it was Castano who made that fight, and it was Castano who finished stronger against one of the most skilled boxers in the sport who also had a 2” height and 8” reach advantage.

Castano has excellent boxing skills, and huge heart. I am very impressed by him.

I agree with Ironbeard. The reach advantage for Lara was tremendous. Still, Castano was able to penetrate through Lara's tough defense and get some decent work done inside. I was actually hoping for a draw when the 3rd scorecard was being announced by Jimmy Lennon Jr.

We just agree to disagree then. He was at some physical disadvantages, but on the other side of the coin, it was against an older Lara. Would he have the same success against the Lara of Paul Williams or Canelo? Will his style of coming forward and out working guys work against guys who do it better in Hurd/Munguia, who will both be even physically bigger than him compared to Lara?

I'm not saying the guy is garbage, just for an undefeated champ, with an AM's background, I expected more from him the first time seeing him. I don't recall him landing one shot that backed up his KO%. A lot of the night he was just throwing punches that were getting blocked or missed. I didn't care for his jab. He came back into the fight the last third of it against a Lara who lost a lot of tread on the tires. He's a work rate guy, which is fine. I just don't think he can beat the best guys in the division. I thought an older Lara beat him last night so a younger one would have definitely won. My first time seeing him and from what I heard on him, I just expected more from him, I guess.

Fair assessment.

It played out pretty much the way I expected. I mentioned prior to the fight that his power is not representative of his ko %. At this level it is not special, being nothing more than cumulative.

I agree that a younger Lara would likely have clearly outpointed him, and that Hurd and Charlo will likely defeat him. However, I am impressed with his boxing skills, having watched five or six of his fights. He controls distance for his diminutive size with excellent footwork and elusive head movement.

He maximizes his gifts and skill. He is one of the very best boxers to come out of Argentina. It is too bad that he cannot drop down to welter and face fighters more his own size. I would love to see him v Porter, Danny and some of the others.

That said, he is no easy out at 154 given his excellent skills and solid chin.

I guess I have to see more of him as well. You've seen a few of his fights so had a better idea on him going in. I've watched less fights in the last couple of years since I stopped betting. Was debating on getting back into it, or doing that Showtime pick'em game, both should have me actively watching more foreign to the states and obscure fighters more. Plus all these streaming apps really give you an extra look at fighters you normally wouldn't get a chance to see.

[ironbeard]

Not impressed with Castona honestly.

I completely disagree.

Castano has maximized his potential at LMW. The kid is the size of a LWW (67” reach, 5’7”) and he has made himself a career out of getting in there with much larger men, out boxing them, and out working them.

A draw was just last night but it was Castano who made that fight, and it was Castano who finished stronger against one of the most skilled boxers in the sport who also had a 2” height and 8” reach advantage.

Castano has excellent boxing skills, and huge heart. I am very impressed by him.

I agree with Ironbeard. The reach advantage for Lara was tremendous. Still, Castano was able to penetrate through Lara's tough defense and get some decent work done inside. I was actually hoping for a draw when the 3rd scorecard was being announced by Jimmy Lennon Jr.

We just agree to disagree then. He was at some physical disadvantages, but on the other side of the coin, it was against an older Lara. Would he have the same success against the Lara of Paul Williams or Canelo? Will his style of coming forward and out working guys work against guys who do it better in Hurd/Munguia, who will both be even physically bigger than him compared to Lara?

I'm not saying the guy is garbage, just for an undefeated champ, with an AM's background, I expected more from him the first time seeing him. I don't recall him landing one shot that backed up his KO%. A lot of the night he was just throwing punches that were getting blocked or missed. I didn't care for his jab. He came back into the fight the last third of it against a Lara who lost a lot of tread on the tires. He's a work rate guy, which is fine. I just don't think he can beat the best guys in the division. I thought an older Lara beat him last night so a younger one would have definitely won. My first time seeing him and from what I heard on him, I just expected more from him, I guess.

Fair assessment.

It played out pretty much the way I expected. I mentioned prior to the fight that his power is not representative of his ko %. At this level it is not special, being nothing more than cumulative.

I agree that a younger Lara would likely have clearly outpointed him, and that Hurd and Charlo will likely defeat him. However, I am impressed with his boxing skills, having watched five or six of his fights. He controls distance for his diminutive size with excellent footwork and elusive head movement.

He maximizes his gifts and skill. He is one of the very best boxers to come out of Argentina. It is too bad that he cannot drop down to welter and face fighters more his own size. I would love to see him v Porter, Danny and some of the others.

That said, he is no easy out at 154 given his excellent skills and solid chin.

I guess I have to see more of him as well. You've seen a few of his fights so had a better idea on him going in. I've watched less fights in the last couple of years since I stopped betting. Was debating on getting back into it, or doing that Showtime pick'em game, both should have me actively watching more foreign to the states and obscure fighters more. Plus all these streaming apps really give you an extra look at fighters you normally wouldn't get a chance to see.

I pick up a lot of fights of the more obscure up and comers on Russia TV and Youtube. But the best place to keep up on what’s going on is on The Beast’s site.

[armageto]

Not impressed with Castona honestly.

I completely disagree.

Castano has maximized his potential at LMW. The kid is the size of a LWW (67” reach, 5’7”) and he has made himself a career out of getting in there with much larger men, out boxing them, and out working them.

A draw was just last night but it was Castano who made that fight, and it was Castano who finished stronger against one of the most skilled boxers in the sport who also had a 2” height and 8” reach advantage.

Castano has excellent boxing skills, and huge heart. I am very impressed by him.

I agree with Ironbeard. The reach advantage for Lara was tremendous. Still, Castano was able to penetrate through Lara's tough defense and get some decent work done inside. I was actually hoping for a draw when the 3rd scorecard was being announced by Jimmy Lennon Jr.

We just agree to disagree then. He was at some physical disadvantages, but on the other side of the coin, it was against an older Lara. Would he have the same success against the Lara of Paul Williams or Canelo? Will his style of coming forward and out working guys work against guys who do it better in Hurd/Munguia, who will both be even physically bigger than him compared to Lara?

I'm not saying the guy is garbage, just for an undefeated champ, with an AM's background, I expected more from him the first time seeing him. I don't recall him landing one shot that backed up his KO%. A lot of the night he was just throwing punches that were getting blocked or missed. I didn't care for his jab. He came back into the fight the last third of it against a Lara who lost a lot of tread on the tires. He's a work rate guy, which is fine. I just don't think he can beat the best guys in the division. I thought an older Lara beat him last night so a younger one would have definitely won. My first time seeing him and from what I heard on him, I just expected more from him, I guess.

Fair assessment.

It played out pretty much the way I expected. I mentioned prior to the fight that his power is not representative of his ko %. At this level it is not special, being nothing more than cumulative.

I agree that a younger Lara would likely have clearly outpointed him, and that Hurd and Charlo will likely defeat him. However, I am impressed with his boxing skills, having watched five or six of his fights. He controls distance for his diminutive size with excellent footwork and elusive head movement.

He maximizes his gifts and skill. He is one of the very best boxers to come out of Argentina. It is too bad that he cannot drop down to welter and face fighters more his own size. I would love to see him v Porter, Danny and some of the others.

That said, he is no easy out at 154 given his excellent skills and solid chin.

I guess I have to see more of him as well. You've seen a few of his fights so had a better idea on him going in. I've watched less fights in the last couple of years since I stopped betting. Was debating on getting back into it, or doing that Showtime pick'em game, both should have me actively watching more foreign to the states and obscure fighters more. Plus all these streaming apps really give you an extra look at fighters you normally wouldn't get a chance to see.

I pick up a lot of fights of the more obscure up and comers on Russia TV and Youtube. But the best place to keep up on what’s going on is on The Beast’s site.

Beast is definitely a good poster, I haven't checked out his site though. Will give it a look.......

[jamamb]

gotta remember that laras one of the last guys to fght if you wanna impress....everyone struggles vs lara. he was stll sharp too and remember was ahead of hurd start of the last round. the draw still shows a good level for castano and i wouldnt rule out more improvement for him. he only recently stepped up as a pro.

[SenorPipino]

Plenty room for Castano to improve.

Lara had twice as many fights, including many against true world class fighters.

Castano has been a pro for over 6 years but just 16 bouts.

I'd again back Castano in a rematch. There's significant upside to that young man.

[Duran1970]

I thought Castano edged it..but no problem with draw obviously.. typical Lara fight...close as hell

[SenorPipino]

I thought Castano edged it..but no problem with draw obviously.. typical Lara fight...close as hell

It's nice to hear posters score a fight for one fighter and when it doesn't quite go that way, refrain from screaming "robbery."

[ironbeard]

Rewatching now.

Rd1= L
Rd2=c
Rd 3 =c
Rd 4=c

Castanos D is excellent.

Rd 5= l

But every round is close and I think C may have stole that one late.

Rd 6= c

But another very close one.

Castano is really good at stealing rounds.

Rd7= L

But Castano flurried late to make it close again.

Rd8 = L

But the kid flurries very late again to make it close. Lara landed nicest shot of fight so far that round.

Rd 9= C

Lara landed a good left early but Castano came on strong especially to body to shade it.

Rd10 = L

Still close but clear by way of cleaner shots.

Rd 11 = C

Close but clear for Castano on body work.

Rd 12 = L

Clearest round for me.

Draw. Last night I shaded Castano but I did not pay as close attention.

Lara has only himself to blame. He should have done more early. Castano’s footwork and defense is very good.

[Evander]

Couple of close rounds in there, Lara look like he won.

1.Lara
2.Lara
3.Castano
4.Castano
5.Lara
6.Castano
7.Lara
8.Lara
9.Lara
10.Lara
11.Lara
12.Castano

[jamamb]

all 3 judges gave castano the last 3

[ironbeard]

all 3 judges gave castano the last 3

That is where I don’t get it. I think round 12 was the clearest of the fight and went to Lara.

Also, many saw it that Lara slowed down in the later rounds and I saw it the opposite. Lara did a lot of nothing in the first half and missed with most of what he did throw or landed on Castano’s guard. He let Castano steal rounds early that I felt cost him the win.

I had Lara winning 4 of the last 6, and Castano out working him early on. Tough fight to score. Most rounds could be seen either way or even. Draw seemed apropos, although I disagreed with the judges on why.

[lazboy]

Rewatching now.

Rd1= L
Rd2=c
Rd 3 =c
Rd 4=c

Castanos D is excellent.

Rd 5= l

But every round is close and I think C may have stole that one late.

Rd 6= c

But another very close one.

Castano is really good at stealing rounds.

Rd7= L

But Castano flurried late to make it close again.

Rd8 = L

But the kid flurries very late again to make it close. Lara landed nicest shot of fight so far that round.

Rd 9= C

Lara landed a good left early but Castano came on strong especially to body to shade it.

Rd10 = L

Still close but clear by way of cleaner shots.

Rd 11 = C

Close but clear for Castano on body work.

Rd 12 = L

Clearest round for me.

Draw. Last night I shaded Castano but I did not pay as close attention.

Lara has only himself to blame. He should have done more early. Castano’s footwork and defense is very good.

This is the closest to how I saw it. Decent fight. Lara has lost his legs somewhat.

[gilgamesh]

I thought Lara edged it ever so slightly. I didn't score it real thoroughly, but his shots landed cleaner through most of the fight. Castano was busier, but lots of arm punches from him, and not much landing clean.

I have no problem with the draw though. Nobody dominated or won clear, but if I had to pick a winner I'd favor Lara slightly.

[EJA]

Castaño robbed

Not really...he took too many rounds off, for whatever reason. If he had sustained the body attack that he used in the 11th & 12th rounds (and a few other rounds) he could have won it. But he didnt...

Ok. Not enough to be a robbery. He did better than Canelo, but he doesn´t have the name...