Patrick Teixiera vs. Brian Castaño - February 13, 2021

[Ruthless-RKO]

Three extra weeks of negotiations merely proved to prolong the inevitable.

A purse bid hearing has been ordered by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to determine promotional rights for the 154-pound title fight between its defending champ, Patrick Teixiera and undefeated mandatory challenger Brian Castaño, the Puerto Rico-based sanctioning body announced Friday morning. The session will take place January 29 in Miami, Florida, and will be open to all WBO-registered promoters providing they submit a minimum bid of $200,000.

“As per sections 11 through 14… of the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests, please be advised that a purse bid will be held at 10:00am Eastern Standard Time on January 29, 2020,” Luis Batista Salas, chairman of the WBO Championship Committee announced in a letter formally submitted to the handlers for both boxers.

Brazil’s Teixeira (31-1, 22KOs) is managed by Patrick Nascimento and promoted by Golden Boy Promotions. Argentina’s Castaño (16-0-1, 12KOs) is managed by Sebastian Contursi and fights under adviser Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), with TGB Promotions representing the former titlist in current talks and also included in the WBO’s submitted notice.

Teixeira will attempt the first defense of the title he initially won in interim capacity following a 12-round decision over Carlos Adames last November in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Brazilian puncher was upgraded to full titlist less than a week later, advanced upon the vacancy left behind by Mexico’s Jaime Munguia, who abandoned his title reign in favor of a middleweight run.

Castaño (16-0-1, 12KOs) is a former secondary titleholder with the World Boxing Association (WBA), having vacated the belt this past summer after scrapping plans for a mandatory title defense rematch versus France’s Michel Soro. The two fought in 2017, with Castaño winning a decision but his team having to take Soro’s handlers to court in order to get paid.

The lack of financial assurances or sufficient drug testing was enough to prompt Castaño’s team to bail from history threatening to repeat itself, thus opting to give up the belt. He’s since fought in November, scoring a one-sided injury stoppage win over Wale Omotoso in a bout with a WBO regional title at stake. It was enough to keep his place high among the sanctioning body’s rankings, and sliding into the number-one position following Teixeira’s aforementioned win over Adames.

The title fight was originally ordered during the WBO convention last December 4th in Tokyo. Talks were extended in early January due to much of Puerto Rico being affected by a series of catastrophic earthquakes, causing enough damage for WBO headquarters in San Juan to be shut down for nearly a full week.

Having exhausted all options, the bout has officially become subjected to the highest bidder. An 11th hour deal can still be reached to avoid the purse bid hearing.

The WBO also addressed the possibility of either party being unable to participate.

“If the WBO champion is injured and depending on the type of injury and needed recovery time, the WBO World Championship Committee, per the WBO Regulations, will determine if the WBO Championship title is declared "Vacant" or if an Interim WBO Championship contest is ordered,” noted Salas. “If the Challenger is injured or refuses to fight, he loses his position in the WBO World Ratings.

“Accordingly, the WBO World Championship Committee may determine and select the next available contender or orders an Elimination bout between the two best available contenders, and the WBO Champion may be permitted a voluntary defense.”

The winning bidder will be required to file signed contracts with the WBO within five (5) days in order for the bid to be fully honored.

[Stuarty]

Remember watching that Brazilian against Stevens and he looked like someone they'd just plucked off the street and handed a pair of gloves to. He was shocking! All over the place and was taken out early. Has had a few semi decent wins since so maybe it was just nerves

[Ruthless-RKO]

Remember watching that Brazilian against Stevens and he looked like someone they'd just plucked off the street and handed a pair of gloves to. He was shocking! All over the place and was taken out early. Has had a few semi decent wins since so maybe it was just nerves

Many had Carlos Adames as fav to beat him as well

[giacomino]

Teixiera will have a big size advantage (almost 10' reach advantage) but Castano is great at getting inside and throwing tons of punches so I would expect him to win a UD or late KO

[Cent0089]

Castano is much better boxer than Teixeira. But Teixeira win over Adames is pretty impressive for me. Let seee how this would go Maybe promoters can sell this as some Argentina vs Brazil stuff to get some popularity

[margaret thatcher]

Remember watching that Brazilian against Stevens and he looked like someone they'd just plucked off the street and handed a pair of gloves to. He was shocking! All over the place and was taken out early. Has had a few semi decent wins since so maybe it was just nerves

Ya looked like a totally padded record fraud that fight, but fair play to him he bounced back well and showed himself to be much better than the loss suggested.

Still, I think Castano is better and should win this.

[Rgoodwin]

I accidentally voted for Teixeira. Castaño probably knocks him out

[Ruthless-RKO]

I accidentally voted for Teixeira. Castaño probably knocks him out

You can change ur vote.

[Rgoodwin]

I accidentally voted for Teixeira. Castaño probably knocks him out

You can change ur vote.

Right on

[Ruthless-RKO]

Teixeira, Castano Reach Terms For Title Fight, Avoid Purse Bid

It’s been a long seven weeks but a period which was ultimately worth the wait for Patrick Teixeira and Brian Castaño.

Tireless efforts between their respective handlers produced a reached agreement for their junior middleweight title fight, just in time to avoid a World Boxing Organization (WBO)-ordered purse bid hearing which was due to take place Wednesday morning at Nautilus by Arlo Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida.

“Golden Boy Promotions (Teixeira’s promoter) and TGB Promotions (representing Castaño) reached an agreement for Teixeira-Castaño,” Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, longtime president of the WBO informed BS.com. “There is no longer (a need for) a purse bid hearing today.”

Terms were not disclosed for the WBO-ordered title fight, which will mark the first defense for Brazil’s Teixeira (31-1, 22KOs). The bout was originally ordered during the WBO convention last December 4th in Tokyo, where Teixeira was upgraded from interim to full 154-pound titlist just days after his 12-round win over Carlos Adames.

From there came a lengthy stretch of negotiations between the two camps, which benefited from two separate delays before a purse bid hearing was eventually ordered. Teixeira was represented in negotiations by youngest-in-charge 24-year old manager Patrick Nascimento and Golden Boy Promotions. The tandem worked with TGB Promotions’ Tom Brown on behalf of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), along with Castaño’s longtime manager Sebastian Contursi.

Golden Boy and PBC generally don’t conduct a lot of business together, though have done so when the situation arose and made sense to both parties. The two proceeded without issue for a junior featherweight title consolidation clash between Rey Vargas and Tomoki Kameda last summer, and more famously joined forces for the May 2017 all-Mexico superfight between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Julio Cesar Chavez.

Given the recent weeks’ worth of talks and the 11th hour deal, it clearly made sense here as well.

Teixeira will attempt the first defense of the title he initially won in interim capacity following a 12-round decision over Adames last November in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Brazilian puncher was upgraded to full titlist less than a week later, advanced upon the vacancy left behind by Mexico’s Jaime Munguia, who abandoned his title reign in favor of a middleweight run.

Castaño is a former secondary titleholder with the World Boxing Association (WBA), having vacated the belt this past summer after scrapping plans for a mandatory title defense rematch versus France’s Michel Soro. The two fought in 2017, with Castaño winning a decision but his team having to take Soro’s handlers to court in order to get paid.

The lack of financial assurances or sufficient drug testing was enough to prompt Castaño’s team to bail from history threatening to repeat itself, thus opting to give up the belt. He’s since fought in November, scoring a one-sided injury stoppage win over Wale Omotoso in a bout with a WBO regional title at stake. It was enough to keep his place high among the sanctioning body’s rankings, and slide into the number-one position following Teixeira’s aforementioned win over Adames.

Thanks to extended cooperation between all parties involved, Teixeira and Castaño now get to slide into a future title fight together.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Mike Coppinger
@MikeCoppinger
Sources tell The Athletic that Sergey Kovalev and Sullivan Barrera have a deal to fight April 25 at Fantasy Springs in Indio, Calif., in a DAZN main event. Patrick Teixeira will defend his title vs. Brian Castano in the co-feature. Kovalev’s first fight since KO loss to Canelo
1:51 AM · Mar 4, 2020·Twitter for iPhone

[Ruthless-RKO]

Four title fights weren’t enough to save DAZN’s April 25th show in Indio, CA. Mike Coppinger reports that the Sergey Kovalev vs. Sullivan Barrera-led card has followed, well, everyone else’s example and been postponed.

In addition to the main event, the card was set to feature an excellent super welterweight clash between Patrick Teixeira and Brian Castano, the latest from the Alvarado brothers, and Wanheng Menayothin’s stateside debut against Marco John Rementizo. It was pretty damn stacked.

On the bright side, at least this card isn’t conflicting with Naoya Inoue-John Riel Casimero anymore.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Teixeira: After Castano, I Want to Unify All of The Titles In 2021

Patrick Teixeira is not only eager to defend his title against his mandatory challenger as so ordered, but equally as excited as where such a win will take his career.

False rumors had circulated of the WBO junior middleweight titlist entertaining the idea of a trip to Australia for a voluntary defense versus unbeaten second-generation boxer Tim Tszyu. Such claims contradicted with still active plans to face Argentina’s Brian Castano, the WBO-appointed mandatory challenger with whom he has already long ago agreed to terms for such a fight.

The two were due to collide on April 25, only for the event to get shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. Restored plans are now in place for a showdown in the 4th quarter of 2020, after which point the reigning titlist hopes to move on to his next career goal—adding more belts to his collection.

“I want anyone at [154-pounds] who has a world title like me,” Teixeira (31-1, 22KOs) told Boxing Scene. “I know what’s in store for me, but my goal is to become the undisputed champion.”

The modern-day definition of “world champion” greatly varies, particularly when you get into sanctioning bodies with different title levels.

The quickest path to true undisputed championship status for the 29-year from Sao Paulo, Brazil will be to challenge the winner of the September 26 collision between WBA/IBF titlist Jeison Rosario (20-1-1, 14KOs) and two-time WBC title claimant Jermell Charlo (33-1, 17KOs). The winner will gain recognition as the division’s lineal champion, with fighters such as Teixeira and secondary titlist Erislandy Lara (27-3-3, 15KOs) waiting in the wings to dispute such a claim.

Of course, the line awaiting the winner will be a long one, not to mention the dangerous assignment currently within sight for Teixeira. Castano (16-0-1, 12KOs) represents arguably the stiffest test to date for Teixeira, who has won five straight including an upset 12-round nod over previously unbeaten Carlos Adames in their vacant title fight last November.

“Castano is next for me, and it’s a fight I take very serious,” insists Teixeira. “For what I want to achieve in the sport, it all goes out the window if I lose my title to him.

“The dream of becoming undisputed world champion motivates me. After Castano, I want to unify all of the world titles in 2021.”

[JxhDel.]

Castano can win this easily.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Teixeira: I've Been Training And Preparing For Castano Fight, COVID Got In The Way

“Golden Boy Promotions and I are not to blame for what is happening in my country,” Teixeira told Boxing Scene.“The Covid got in the way of a lot. I have been training and preparing to fight Castaño for a long time. We never refuse the fight. We had a date and everything was confirmed. On account of Covid, [the fight] was canceled."

“I’ve been waiting for this situation to normalize so that the consulate can open and I get my visa,” insists Teixeira, who claimed the belt with a 12-round win over unbeaten Carlos Adames last November.. “I don't want to be a champion in recess, and I will also not lose my title due to the virus.

“We and our lawyers are trying everything to get this visa. I think the WBO should authorize an interim fight for Brian Castano and number two, and not a purse bid. The winner would fight with me next. This just makes me more willing to demonstrate that Brazil is better than Argentina.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

He's stuck in Brazil.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Teixeira-Castano Title Fight: WBO Orders November 12 Purse Bid

Having exhausted all options, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) has now taken matters into its own hands regarding its junior middleweight championship.

A purse bid hearing was formally ordered by the Puerto Rico-based sanctioning body for a mandatory title fight between defending champ Patrick Teixeira and unbeaten Brian Castano. The session will take place November 12 via Zoom conference call, open to all WBO-registered promoters.

The WBO will conduct the session from its headquarters in San Juan. The minimum accepted bid for the session will be $200,000.

Teixeira’s promoter, Golden Boy Promotions was given a 10-day deadline to deliver the reigning titlist or a reason for his inability to defend his title within the parameters set by the WBO. With the order came the threat of the matter heading to a purse bid, thus potentially taking promotional control away from Golden Boy and instead landing in the hands of the highest bidder.

Such appears to be the fate for a fight that has been more than 11 months in the making.

“On Monday, October 26, 2020, this Committee issued a “Resolution” granting Golden Boy Promotions (1) 10 days upon issuance of our ruling to confirm the official bout date, place and venue for the WBO Jr. Middleweight Mandatory Championship Contest between Patrick Teixeira and Brian Castaño; (2) the current immigration status of Teixeira; and (3) Teixeira’s arrival date in the USA,” Luis Batista-Salas, chairman of the WBO Championship Committee stated to Golden Boy and TGB Promotions (Castaño) in an official letter, a copy of which has been obtained by BS.com.

“The preceding information was to be certified and evidenced in writing to this Committee within the term provided therein. Furthermore, Golden Boy Promotions was advised that failure to comply with the Committee’s ruling would trigger calling the Teixeira/Castaño bout to a purse bid procedure pursuant to WBO Rules and Regulations. Having the term provided in the “Resolution” transpired, and having Golden Boy Promotions failed to comply with the conditions set forth in our “Resolution”, the Committee must proceed accordingly.”

Brazil’s Teixeira (31-1, 25KOs) and Argentina’s Castaño (16-0-1, 12KOs) were first ordered to fight last December, immediately upon Teixeira receiving an upgrade from WBO “interim” to “World” junior middleweight champion at the sanctioning body’s annual convention. Teixeira won the interim belt in a 12-round upset win over unbeaten Carlos Adames on November 30 before receiving full title status just five days later.

With it came the obligation to next face Castaño as his mandatory challenger. The two sides were able to reach terms in avoiding a purse bid, with Golden Boy prepared to present the bout as part of a loaded April 25 show from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California. The event was shut down due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has also left Teixeira unable to leave his native Brazil.

Such travel status has been the holdup in moving forward with this fight. Castaño was able to make his way to the United States, having been training in Los Angeles for more than a month in anticipation of a fight date.

Rumors swirled of the two colliding on December 5, as part of a Golden Boy and DAZN show headlined by a lightweight clash between Ryan Garcia and Luke Campbell. The undercard has since been announced, not including the aforementioned junior middleweight title fight and leaving the WBO with unanswered questions.

“There is no doubt that WBO Participants Teixeira and Castaño are bound by the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests,” Batista-Salas confirmed in the October 26 order. “It is an uncontested fact that Golden Boy Promotions, as the official bout promoter, must secure a bout and T.V. date, place, and venue; furthermore, as the promoter of WBO Jr. Middleweight Champion Teixeira, they are exclusively responsible for arranging, coordinating, and producing said fighter in the United States of America, the jurisdiction where the bout will be staged.

“To date, such assurances have not been met, and there is no certainty as to when will Teixeira’s visa issues will be resolved and be allowed entry to comply as ordered with the WBO Jr. Middleweight Mandatory Championship Contest against Castaño.”

The matter was met with sympathy for Teixeira’s situation. At the same time, as much understanding was granted to a request submitted by Tom Brown, head of TGB Promotions on behalf of Castaño to move forward with the title fight whether in some form.

“[T]his Committee agrees with TGB Promotion’s argument to the extent that Castaño currently is immersed in an uncertain state due to Teixeira’s pending visa issues, which to date, are still unsettled by the corresponding U.S. and national security government agencies,” notes Batista-Salas. “Nonetheless, we cannot acquiesce the petition that Teixeira be designated as WBO Champion in “Recess” because such designation is non-existent in our rules and is contrary to our institutional policies.

“We are aware of the circumstances concerning the Covid-19 pandemic and its implications. Likewise, there is no dispute as to the involuntary cancellation of Teixeira’s visa appointment in the U.S. Embassy in Brazil as evidenced to this Committee. Nevertheless, the current state and circumstances are untenable. Wherefore, this Committee must take affirmative action and remedy the situation by issuing a fair and reasonable resolution whereby all relevant parties’ rights and interests are protected as well as the remaining WBO contenders in the Jr. Middleweight Division.”

Castaño (16-0-1, 12KOs) has been out of the ring since a 5th round stoppage of Wale Omotoso last November in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Teixeira has not fought since his aforementioned title-claiming victory over Adames.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Golden Boy won purse bids.

$427,000

TGB bid $225,100

“Patrick Teixeira became a world champion in a tough fight on enemy turf, so we wanted to make sure that his defense would take place on a Golden Boy card,” Eric Gomez, president of Golden Boy told Boxing Scene upon winning the purse bid. “Teixeira deserves it as do all of our world champions.

“We have an international stable of champions from countries as diverse as Brazil, Nicaragua, China, Mexico and Thailand, not to mention the homegrown champions we have in the United States. We are a global leader, and we intend to keep it that way when Teixeira defeats Brian Castaño. Details will come shortly.”

Per WBO purse bid terms, Teixeira's side is entitled to 75% of the winning bid, or $320,250 as the defending titlist. The balance—$106,750—goes to Castaño, per 25% going to the challenger.

[brilo33]

Remember watching that Brazilian against Stevens and he looked like someone they'd just plucked off the street and handed a pair of gloves to. He was shocking! All over the place and was taken out early. Has had a few semi decent wins since so maybe it was just nerves

its funny you say that as i was thinking the same but , who is the american fighter in the last couple of years he fights pro but he is like a blue collar semi pro,he wind mills fights[throws wild punches]any one know who i mean ,he is white fella think he is middle weight

[Ruthless-RKO]

Tszyu vs. Castano Could in Play - If Teixeira is Unable To Defend Title

Depending on the circumstances in the coming weeks, rising junior welterweight star Tim Tszyu could be in line for a crack at the WBO world title.

On December 16th at Bankwest Stadium, Tszyu will collide with Bowyn Morgan

The World Boxing Organization has made it clear - that if current champion Patrick Teixeira is unable to set a fight with mandatory challenger Brian Castano by January 6 - then Tszyu could face Castano for the belt in early 2021.

The winner of the potential Tszyu-Castano bout would then have to make a mandatory defense against Teixeira.

“They know the situation, if he doesn’t get it in time, he’s going to be stripped of the title and Castano and Tszyu is on the cards,” WBO chairman Danny Leigh said to WA Today.

“Obviously the winner of that would have to fight Teixeira, because he’s not being demoted for any other reason than visas. It’s a very good opportunity. Tim has got to be on point tomorrow, but it’s awesome for Australian boxing. I’m very happy to be involved with that.”

But Tszyu is not looking too far ahead - as he faces an opponent who lost only once in 22 fights.

“I’ve got this guy in front of me and then we can think about that,” Tszyu said.

Tszyu will returning from the biggest win of his career, which took place a few months ago when he battered and stopped former WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn.

Besides a world title clash, there is also talk of Tszyu being featured on the undercard of a potential clash between unified lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez and mandatory challenger George Kambosos - which is targeted to take place in the first half of 2021.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Finally confirmed!

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

A new era has begun in the career of Joseph “JoJo” Diaz (31-1, 15 KOs) as he makes the first defense of his IBF Junior Lightweight World Title against mandatory challenger Shavkatdzhon “Shere Khan” Rakhimov (15-0, 12 KOs) in a 12-round battle between two southpaws with highly decorated amateur backgrounds. The co-main event will also feature a classic battle between Brasil’s Patrick Teixeira, who will defend his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title, and Argentine mandatory challenger Brian “El Boxi” Castano.

The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 13 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., Mexico, Russia, Tajikistan, Brazil and Argentina.

Information regarding the venue and undercard will be announced shortly.

“After his participation in the Olympics and turning professional, Joseph had one goal: become a world champion,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Everyone at Golden Boy Promotions was so proud when Joseph had his hand raised and realized his dream. Now that he’s got that belt, he’s not giving it back any time soon.”

Diaz Jr. is a 28-year-old southpaw who represented the U.S. at the 2012 Olympic games in London. Immediately after, Diaz Jr. signed with Golden Boy and began a stellar career that has included fights against Gary Russell Jr., Andrew “El Chango” Cancio, Jesus Rojas, and Rafael "Big Bang" Rivera. In his last fight, the native of South El Monte, Calif. defeated Tevin “American Idol” Farmer to become the IBF Junior Lightweight Champion, which began a new phase of his career as he begins to take over the division.

“Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov is a very good fighter who is highly ranked throughout the world,” said Joseph Diaz Jr. “I know he’s been aching for a world title shot, but I’m ready to go out there and showcase that I’m willing to fight the best and defend my title with whoever wants to step in that ring with me. I’m the hungriest I’ve ever been, and there is nothing that he brings to the table that can affect me.”

“In my first main event on DAZN, I’m going to show to the world that I am the biggest threat at 130 pounds and a household name,” Diaz Jr. continued. “Not only am I doing this for myself, but I’m also doing this for my family. I fight to motivate people to keep on pushing and continue pursuing the dreams they have through the ups and downs in life. That’s my purpose. Come Feb. 13, I’m going to shine. It’s my time!”

Rakhimov is a 26-year-old puncher who earned gold medals in some of the world’s most prestigious international amateur tournaments. In 2015, the native of Qurghonteppa, Tajikistan made his professional debut, and in only his 11th fight as a professional, he captured the IBO Super Featherweight Title by scoring a sixth-round technical knockout over Emanuel Lopez. He defended the title three times, and one of those victories was against experienced contender Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos. Though no longer holding the IBO belt, he remains undefeated as he looks to capture a belt from one of the four recognized sanctioning bodies.

“I’ve been waiting for this chance for a long time,” Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov. “Thank you for this opportunity to my team. My training camp is long one but very good. I will do my best to win this fight. I came here for the victory!”

In the co-main event, Patrick Teixeira (31-1, 22 KOs) of Sau Paulo, Brazil will make the first defense of his WBO Super Junior Middleweight World Title against undefeated challenger Brian “El Boxi” Castaño (16-0-1, 12 KOs) of Buenos Aires, Argentina in a 12-round battle.

“I am very confident about this fight against Brian Castaño,” said Patrick Teixeira. “I am ready to defeat him and keep my title. The fight will be a war. It will be a bit show for all the boxing fans.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Tszyu won’t get immediate WBO title shot

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Australia’s biggest boxing draw, WBO #2 light Tim Tszyu was ready to step in when it looked like the world title fight between WBO junior middleweight champion Patrick Teixeira (31-1, 22 KOs) and mandatory contender Brian Castano (16-0-1, 12 KOs) wouldn’t be possible for the time being. However, with the announcement that Teixeira-Castano is set for February 13, Tszyu (17-0, 13 KOs) will have to put his WBO title aspirations on hold for the time being. The Teixeira-Castano winner can expect a lucrative offer to face Tszyu down under later this year.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Teixeira Obtains Travel Visa, Arrives In U.S. To Preserve Title Defense Versus Castano

The first thing that Patrick Teixeira did upon deplaning at Los Angeles International Airport was take off his protective mask and breathe a sign of relief.

Any lingering questions as to whether the 30-year old Brazilian southpaw would be able to proceed with the first defense of his 154-pound title were finally answered over the weekend. Teixeira secred a travel visa and has since arrived in the United States well in advance of his showdown versus mandatory challenger Brian Castano which takes place February 13, live on DAZN from Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.

“I am right to say that I have the best manager (Patrick Nascimento) and the best promoter (Golden Boy Promotions) in the world,” Teixeira told Boxing Scene on Monday. “Together they managed to resolve my visa situation. Now I'm here in the USA.

“I will continue my preparation and be ready to have a great fight.”

Concerns arose over Teixeira’s ability to leave his home country, which twice caused delays in his WBO-ordered title defense versus Castano (16-0-1, 12KOS). The matter became the subject of a purse bid hearing, which was won by Golden Boy Promotions on November 12 in their best effort to ensure its fighter didn’t have to once again fight on a rival promoter’s show. Teixeira won the title in a 12-round decision over Carlos Adames last November on a show promoted by Top Rank.

Faced with the threat of Castano’s team—which includes adviser and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) creator Al Haymon—gaining control of the fight, Golden Boy made a point to outbid TGB Promotion in order to retain promotional rights to the event.

“Patrick Teixeira became a world champion in a tough fight on enemy turf, so we wanted to make sure that his defense would take place on a Golden Boy card,” Eric Gomez, president of Golden Boy previously told Boxing Scene. “Teixeira deserves it as do all of our world champions.”

The fight was originally scheduled to take place at this very venue on April 29, only for the initial wave of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic to trample those plans. The infectious disease grew worse in Brazil in recent months, creating a travel nightmare for its citizens—including Teixeira.

As such, there remained concern over whether Teixeira (31-1, 22KOs) would be cleared for travel in time to participate. A deadline of January 6, 2021 was established for his side to confirm status with the WBO, with the matter to be re-evaluated should any such issues remain.

From there came false rumors of Australia’s unbeaten second-generation boxer Tim Tszyu replacing Teixeira in what would become a vacant title fight. Aiding in that cause was Danny Leigh, chairman of WBO Global providing such misinformation to Australian media ahead of Tszyu’s most recent fight, a 1st round knockout of Bowyn Morgan earlier this month.

It’s all moot, as both Teixeira and Argentina’s Castano—who has not fought since a 5th round stoppage of Wale Omotoso last November—are both stateside and ready to fight.

“Many cheered against me, and thought I would lose my title without [being able to] fight,” notes Teixeira. “But they were wrong. I'm here to keep my belt, much to Brian’s disappointment.

“See you soon, Castano.”

[Enlightened-One]

If Patrick Teixiera wins, he’ll face Terence Crawford next.

If Brian Castaño wins, he’ll face Jermell Charlo next.

In my mind, Brian Castaño is the favourite to win this fight.