The Mandatory: Robinson Castellanos
Photo by MexSport
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed to BoxingScene.com that Robinson Castellanos (21-10-0, 13 KOs) would indeed be the mandatory challenger for the winner of Jhonny Gonzalez vs. Gary Russell Jr.
The WBC set all mandatories at their annual convention back in December 2014, including for the winner of Castellanos vs. Rocky Juarez to be the mandatory for the winner of Gonzalez vs. Russell Jr.
They also declared the next challenger to be the winner of Marvin Sonsona vs. Jayson Velez, a fight that has yet to be made.
Castellanos earned his right at the title shot when he defeated Juarez by unanimous decision on January 26, 2015.
There are political barriers between Russell and Castellanos, considering Russell is signed on with Al Haymon and Castellanos is with Golden Boy Promotions.
But one would assume that Haymon would be content with the fight going to a purse bid, since Haymon would likely win the bid.
He’d also be happy with Castellanos as an opponent, considering he’s a very beatable foe for Russell’s first title defense.
On the other hand, we have seen Haymon work his magic before, and it wouldn’t surprise me in the least to see him score an optional first-defense for Russell.
If so, some possible opponents would be Marvin Sonsona, or even Jesus Cuellar, who are both coming off wins and are part of the Haymon stable.
