By Allan Fox: WBO junior middleweight champion Brian Castano says he wants to defend against Errol Spence Jr. next if he successfully defeats IBF/WBA/WBC 154-lb champion Jermell Charlo this Saturday night.
The popular WBO champion Castano is already planning his next moves beyond the Charlo fight, perhaps knowing how much money he can make in a title defense against the superstar Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) if he moves up in weight at the end of the year.
It would be better for the sport of boxing if Castano wins on Saturday night against Jermell, because it would open up the possibility of a Spence fight.
With Jermell close friends with Spence, there’s no possibility of those two fighters battling in the future. Charlo has already ruled out a fight between him and Spence from taking place because he sees him as his brother.
For Castano to put himself in a position for a lucrative fight against Spence, he’s got to defeat Charlo on Saturday, and that’s not going to be easy.
The two fought to a 12-round draw last July in San Antonio, Texas, and it was a match that was equally tough for both champions.
Castano (17-0-2, 12 KOs) and Charlo (34-1-1, 18 KOs) are headlining on Showtime on Saturday, May 14th, for the undisputed 154-lb championship at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
“If I beat Charlo, I’d like to fight Spence,” said Castano to the media on Thursday about his plans after his fight this Saturday night against Jermell Charlo.
A fight between Castano and Spence would be really interesting for the boxing public, as both guys are known for having a high-volume offense with their nonstop punching.
“Charlo, you be ready because I’m coming after you, so you better be ready for that,” said Castano. “It’s absolutely electrifying because it gives you the motivation before a fight,” said Castano when told that Jermell is saying it’s the U.S vs. Argentinia in this fight.
“This is a moment that you dream about. My family and friends are here. What better way to reach the pinnacle of what I’m trying to achieve than with them here.
“He can say whatever he wants. I could care less if he wants to knock me out,” said Castano in reacting to Jermell’s comments about wanting to stop him. “Let’s go out there and see if he can withstand my punishment for 12 rounds.
“The lack of respect he has for a fellow athlete bothered me. He said a lot of things that I thought were out of line. I don’t know why he’s all edgy and screaming and nervous. I’d rather him show that energy in the ring,” said Castano.
