The Friday night Telefutura Boxeo series tossed up WBA  #1 ranked super flyweight Martin Castillo in a tool sharpening unanimous decision win over yesterday man Oscar Andrade.

All went as expected with Castillo at a now 32-1 with 17 by stoppage - the secret to success was better technique as he scored repeatedly with combinations to both body and head - downside is the offense designed for nothing more than point scoring.

Andrade, a stranger to this viewer, has dropped to a new low on a rap sheet reflecting 35 wins with 28 debits - the reported 63 kept appointments hints the past 18 scalps taken were by a younger version of the man from Durango, Mexico.

Still, I wouldn’t bet a NYC subway token on Castillo rising any further than where he is under the WBA blanket - at the doorstep of a title shot, but at age 30, for better or worse, a contender.

The official numbers saw it Castillo 100-90, 99-91, 98-92 -  no argument here, my unofficial had it all Castillo in rounds 9-1 and on points 99-91.

Referee Russell Mora worked a solid assignment - never charged fighters for respective "inadvertent" infractions - even with Castillo looking to the man in charge when inside action resulted in a meeting of the minds.

Closing comments: When first seeing the paperwork on this pairing I was concerned over it being sanctioned. The respective resumé had amber light all over it - good news, while it went all Castillo on points, the was no need for concern after all.

GEL  - 

7-27-2007