Brian Castano claims WBO junior middleweight title after trumping Patrick Teixeira

A South American powerhouse has secured the coveted WBO junior middleweight title, but Tim Tszyu also has his eyes on the belt.

Patrick Teixeira defends his WBO Junior Middleweights title against Brian Castano.

Tim Tszyu’s potential world title opponent has been revealed, with Brian Castano toppling Patrick Teixeira via unanimous decision to claim the WBO junior middleweight title on Sunday AEDT.

The South American pair faced off at California’s Fantasy Spring Resort Casino, with Teixeira defending his belt for the first time.

Castano was the more dynamic fighter in the early rounds, repeatedly peppering his rival’s body, and although Teixeira landed some decent punches in the second round, the Argentinian remained in control.

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The Brazilian began to find some momentum in the fourth round, but Castano continued to pile on the pressure in the middle stages, meaning Teixeira needed nothing less than a miracle to escape with a victory.

Patrick Teixeira defends his WBO Junior Middleweights title against Brian Castano.

Castano registered a few more powerful blows to the head in round eight, and it was all one-way traffic through to the end of the 12th.

The final scorecard read 120-108, 119-109, 117-111 in Castano’s favour, setting up a potential bout with America’s Jermell Charlo later this year — however, nothing has been confirmed.

The Athletic’s Mike Coppinger tweeted: “That’s about as good as it gets for a one-sided fight, great effort from both guys but Brian Castano was way too good.”

A jubilant Castaño celebrating his title win. pic.twitter.com/IW6mnQEycg

— MARCOS VILLEGAS (@heyitsmarcosv) February 14, 2021

Castaño has dominated a fight that many thought would be much closer. He deserves a ton of credit for a strong showing. https://t.co/nbkVq8EygK

— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) February 14, 2021

The combination punching of Brian Castano is really superb. He is such a fun fighter to watch

— Al Bernstein (@AlBernstein) February 14, 2021

The undefeated Tszyu will need to topple Irish veteran Dennis Hogan in late March before he gets an opportunity to compete for the coveted belt.

“I’m done with Australia. I want the Mexicans, the Americans, the top-level boys,” Tszyu said in December.

“I’m getting more mature. I just turned 26, I haven’t even reached my peak, I’ve got another three or four years before I reach me peak.

“That’s why I want the best experience, to fight the best fighters right now … there’s only two names on the hit list for me now – Castano and Teixeira.”