Brian Castano is out of his eagerly anticipated undisputed super-welterweight world title rematch with Jermell Charlo.
The WBO champion has had to withdraw due a ‘minor right bicep tear’ as reported by ESPN’s Mike Coppinger. It is hoped that the fight is simply postponed for now and will be rescheduled for the Spring however WBO President Paco Valcárcel hinted on Twitter, before the news broke, that the return bout may not go ahead.
“Castano vs Charlo. Look like no unification will take place. Who you can blame? Probably Castano.”
One can only wonder what prompted Valcárcel to go on social media and apportion blame to his 154lbs champion who is reportedly injured and cannot fight on the original March 19 date.
Charlo and Castano fought to a thrilling split draw last July with the final scorecards reading 114-114, 111-117 and 114-113.
Scheduled to appear on next month’s undercard had been the unbeaten Tim Tszyu. The Australian, who is the WBO mandatory challenger, was due to make his American debut against Terrell Gausha. If Valcárcel is correct and the Charlo-Castano rematch does not happen then Tszyu may finally land his long-awaited world title shot.