Fidel has more chance of winning

Donnie Nietes will make the first defence of his WBO minimumweight title in August against Nicaraguan Eddy Castro 12-3-1. 

Although the record may seem adequate at first glance, Castro lost his last fight – to 2-7 Robert Meza – in February. He also lost a decision to Marlon Chavarria last September.

Back in ‘05 Castro lost to Roman Gonzalez by KO (Gonzalez challenges for the WBA version at 105 in September) while more recently he drew with Hector Elizabeth, who subsequently has gone on a run of four straight losses. Those to inflict defeat on Elizabeth include Chavarria (who those of you taking notes will recognise as the chap who beat Castro last year). Chavarria in turn has lost by KO to Yader Escobar, who for good measure has beaten Elizabeth too.

On paper, Castro seems the poorest of the three if you compare him, Chavarria and Escobar. Escobar certainly seems to be operating at a higher level. This is reflected in his boxrec ranking – #24 to Castro’s #74 (Chavarria is #38).

The IBO’s objective rankings meanwhile have Escobar at #19. Castro does not make the IBO’s top 50.

Why then, do the WBO see fit to rank Castro (#9!) ahead of Escobar (#11) in their rankings? According to their ratings criteria, there should be a “special emphasis on boxers recent activities.” A loss to 2-7 Meza, who was previously KOd in 1 round by Escobar, does not seem to me the sort of recent activity that should be getting you a title shot or putting you higher in the ratings than someone who is clearly a better boxer.