Jermell Charlo kept hold of the International Boxing Federation super-welterweight title in his
first defense with a split-draw decision in an exciting fight against challenger Brian Castano in
San Antonio, Texas on July 17, 2021.
For twelve rounds, both Charlo and Castano traded early and often, with a late rounds rally from
Charlo providing one of 2021’s best fights of the year.
Charlo, (34-1, 18KO) from Houston, Texas, put forth a valiant effort after a strong start from
Castano. Castano, a native from Buenos Aires, Argentina, was competing for an IBF title for the
first time and was able to connect in the early rounds of the contest.
In the second half of the bout, Charlo began to let his hands go and swept the final three rounds
on all scorecards. Levi Martinez served as IBF supervisor.
The end result had the bout at 114-113 for Castano, 117-111 for Charlo and 114-114 for a
split-decision result in an exciting fight. No knockdowns were registered, Charlo kept his IBF
belt and Castano remained undefeated as a professional at 17-0-2.
The 31-year-old Charlo turned professional in December 2008. On June 8, 2013, Charlo won
the USBA super welterweight title with a unanimous decision win over Demetrius Hopkins in
California.
Charlo was on a three-fight knockout win streak heading into the fight against Castano, with two
KO’s scored in 2019 against Jorge Cota and Tony Harrison, and an eighth round knockout of
Jeison Rosario on September 26, 2020, earned Charlo his first IBF title.
BY RAYMUNDO DIOSES