Report- WBO Clears Way For Jermell Charlo-Brian Castano II

The puzzlement of why Unified 154 lb. World champ Jermell Charlo and WBO World titleholder Brian Castano haven’t already scheduled their rematch seems to have cleared up. This, as a report Sunday night says the WBO has given the blessing for Charlo and Castano to fight again for the Undisputed Super Middleweight Championship early in 2022.

Boxing insider Lance Pugmire, now with USAToday.com, tweeted Sunday night that the World Boxing Organization had been an obstacle to allow the rematch to take place. This, as top contender Tim Tszyu of Australia is “waiting in the wings” to fight for Castano’s version of the belt,

An official familiar with the situation tells @USATSportsPlus that a resolution has been struck with Tim Tszyu allowing the WBO championship committee to sanction the Brian Castano-Jermell Charlo @TwinCharlo rematch that @premierboxing is expected to stage in Feb. in Houston.

— Lance Pugmire (@pugboxing) November 22, 2021

We’ve been wondering for weeks on why Charlo-Castano II hasn’t been announced? This after the two engaged in a highly entertaining 12 round battle this past Summer that ended in a controversial draw.

Back in July, the Argentinian born Castano took the fight to the WBA/WBC/IBF champ early. Castano looked to have banked three or four early rounds by being busier and landing more frequently on Charlo on the inside.

Clearly, Charlo knew he had to rally at the end of the fight and his own corner was even telling him, as such. He did pour on the pressure in the 10th round staggering Castano on a couple of occasions.

And, all three judges, including veteran championship scorers Tim Cheatham and Steve Weisfeld gave Charlo each of the final three rounds 10 – 12. That ended up saving Charlo on the “split” draw of one judge each scoring for Charlo or Castano and the third having it even at 114-114.

Even Charlo, 34-1-1 had to concede that Castano, 17-0-2, had given him a tough challenge, saying in the following days,

Brian Castano is one hell of a better fighter than anyone gave him credit for and he came to fight for his life Saturday. If fights are scored as a whole I landed the harder and better shots, but boxing isn’t scored that way. Boxing is scored round by round.

“I’ve always said to take a belt from a champion you need to take that belt and the judges felt neither of us did enough to take those other belts and they ruled a draw. I don’t want to become undisputed by a narrow controversial decision. I want to make a statement. I didn’t do my part to get the KO and as always I will continue to learn and improve. When we run it back, just like I adjusted in Harrison II, there will be no doubt about the result.”

As for the Australian star Tszyu, he just improved to 20-0 as a pro with his latest win last Wednesday night in Sydney with a 12 round decision over Takeshi Inoue. While he has fame there, it’s apparent that Tszyu, who is the #1 ranked WBO Jr. Middleweight, will need to come to the U.S. if he wants to face the Charlo-Castano winner for the Undisputed crown.

Pugmire further reported that Premier Boxing Champions will now target February and potentially, Charlo’s hometown of Houston, TX, as the location for the anticipated Castano rematch.