Farooq vs Castillo Analysis and Prediction

Ukashir Farooq (15-1, 6KO) vs Luis Gerardo Castillo (28-2, 18KO)

Bantamweight (118)

vacant WBC International Bantamweight Title

Ukashir Farooq

Since the disputed split decision loss to fellow hot prospect, Lee McGregor, Farooq has sky-rocketed in competition quality. Dominating Angel Aviles and Alexander Espinoza, Farooq’s inside work is equal parts effective and entertaining. There are still questions left over Farooq’s ability to deal with the uglier sides of the sport – losing to McGregor largely due to his naivety in the clinch. Utilising the shoulder push-off in his last two fights seem to have papered over the biggest hole in Farooq’s game. Moreover, the spearing body jab against Espinoza was a fantastic shot to keep busy at range.

Luis Gerardo Castillo

Is this yet another time an unknown Mexican leaves his home country for the first time and stops a UK prospect dead in their tracks? Boasting an impressive stoppage record over a mixed bag of opponents, Castillo is an interesting character. Born deaf, Castillo’s impoverished background meant he was never able to learn formal sign language – leaving him speechless to the greater part of the world. After developing a personal relationship and communication with trainer, Adalberto Sanchez, the pair have had a successful run over the last twelve years. I really struggled to find any meaningful tape on Castillo, so it is pretty much guesswork I’m afraid.

Predicted Result: Farooq Decision

Since the disputed split decision loss to fellow hot prospect, Lee McGregor, Farooq has sky-rocketed in competition quality. Utilising the shoulder push-off in his last two fights seem to have papered over Farooq’s weakness in the clinch. Moreover, the spearing body jab against Espinoza is an excellent new weapon to keep busy at range. Boasting an impressive stoppage record over a mixed bag of opponents, Castillo is an interesting character. Born deaf, Castillo’s impoverished background meant he was never able to learn formal sign language. I really struggled to find any meaningful tape on Castillo, so it is pretty much guesswork I’m afraid. Farooq is a quality operator that isn’t far off making the step towards the world level. It would have to take a special performance from another unknown Mexican fighting away from the home to halt Farooq’s rise.

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