The former IBF super middleweight champion dominated before scoring a fourth-round stoppage to earn his first victory since losing the world title
William Scull returned to winning ways on Friday night, stopping Evander Castillo in the fourth round to end a two-fight skid. The former IBF super middleweight champion controlled the bout from the opening bell before forcing the referee to halt the action in Essen, Germany.
The scheduled eight-round super middleweight contest served as a bounce-back opportunity for the Cuban after consecutive defeats, and he made the most of it with a composed, one-sided performance.
Scull controlled the action from the opening bell, using his footwork, timing and accurate punching to keep Castillo from finding a rhythm. While Castillo entered the fight with 20 knockouts in 22 victories, he was unable to apply sustained pressure against the former world champion.
Scull, 33, remained in control through the opening rounds, using his movement and accurate punching to keep Castillo from building any sustained offense.
The fight ended in the fourth round when Scull forced the referee to intervene after hurting Castillo with a clean shot.
With Castillo unable to defend himself effectively, the referee stepped in to wave off the contest, giving Scull a TKO victory.
The win improves Scull’s record to 24-2 (10 KOs), while Castillo falls to 22-6 (20 KOs).
The victory for Scull is an important reset after a difficult stretch that included a decision loss to Canelo Alvarez followed by a stoppage defeat to Jacob Bank earlier this year. Although Castillo was not among the division’s leading contenders, the performance allowed Scull to regain confidence with an emphatic finish.
Scull was a heavy pre-fight favorite, and the bout unfolded largely as expected. He showcased the technical boxing and ring control that carried him to a world title, while also delivering one of the more decisive stoppage victories of his professional career.
The win gave Scull a needed rebound after consecutive defeats and improved his professional record to 24-2 (10 KOs).