The WBC featherweight title is set to be contested at Ring VI, following Stephen Fulton’s dramatic loss of the title on the scales. Interim champion Bruce ‘Shu Shu’ Carrington (16-0, 9 KOs) will take on veteran Carlos Castro (30-3, 14 KOs) in a high-stakes match that marks Carrington’s first opportunity to compete for a world title.
At 28 years old, Carrington enters the ring after securing the WBC interim title six months ago with a victory over Mateus Heita in New York. This matchup was initially slated to be a title defense for Carrington against Castro, but the bout gained extra significance when it was elevated to a full championship fight due to Fulton’s weight miss.
On the other hand, Castro, 31, is returning from a 15-month hiatus and has not competed since his narrow defeat to Fulton in a challenging 10-round encounter back in September 2024. Although he brings a wealth of experience into the ring, Castro has struggled recently, posting a 3-3 record in his last six fights, including losses to top contenders like Brandon Figueroa and Luis Nery.
From a statistical perspective, Carrington is viewed favorably as the next potential featherweight champion. However, this fight will not be straightforward. Current odds display Carrington as a strong favorite at -1000, while Castro stands at +510, indicating the expectation of a competitive bout. The odds for Carrington winning by decision is set at -114, while a win by knockout or technical knockout is valued at +140. For Castro, a decision win carries odds of +1300, and a knockout is pegged at +750.
Despite his advantages, Carrington must remain vigilant, as Castro has demonstrated an ability to surprise opponents, notably scoring knockdowns in recent fights. Carrington’s entertaining style and speed have made him a crowd favorite, yet his defensive vulnerabilities could pose risks against an opponent like Castro, who possesses surprising power.
Carrington’s strategy may revolve around targeting Castro’s body, which proved effective in his previous fight against Heita. Attacking the body could potentially set up a stoppage victory, given Castro’s history of struggling with body shots, particularly those delivered by powerful opponents like Fulton and Figueroa.
With the stage set, the boxing community eagerly anticipates whether Carrington can claim his first world title and solidify his status in the featherweight division. The fight promises to be an exciting contest, with Carrington positioned for a victory, potentially by knockout. Odds and betting lines are continually updated, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the sport.