No doubt an absolute slugfest at 154 or 160. Castro's chin was practically made of titanium but would he be able to handle a murderous puncher like Jackson? Could Castro take what Jackson dishes out and stop him in the end or does he get beaten badly to the point of getting stopped?
Middleweight would be a more even match up since they were both champs at that weight. Also Jackson's power was still destructive at that weight given how he flat lined Glen Powell, Dennis Milton and Herol Graham.
Castro went the distance with RJJ who was also a monster puncher at Middleweight. I'm sure Castro could weather the storm of Jackson and stop him late especially if this takes place at Middleweight. As you said Castro has a very good chin he even moved up to Cruiserweight as an old man and went distance with Jirov.
I’m leaning towards Castro by virtue of his durability and relentless activity. Jackson might have him hurt early but as the fight went on Castro probably takes over
Jackson did learn to box and pace himself over time. His 12 rounder over a very tough, durable and skilled Thomas Tate was an underrated performance. As much as I am a fan of Locomotora, I think Julian wins this comfortably.
Julian Jackson was somewhat of a Deontay Wilder at 160, if he couldn't bomb you out he usually got taken out
Getting taken out by Gerald McClellan is no shame, especially if you gave him brain damage along the way.
Well he was taken out twice by Gerald once in the 5th and in the rematch he couldn't get out of the 1st round. Not as bad as getting iced inside 2 rounds by Mike McCallum or blown out by Quincy Taylor + Verno Phillips in 6 but eh? All 6 of his losses were by KO....
Again, he was less effective at 160. He was also hitting his mid-30's and beyond in the fights you mention. And Gerald McClellan was the definition of a size bully. But this is why I asked at weight this would be fought. And I assume, whether 154 or 160, it would be the best version of Julian, not a 38 year old version.
To be fair Jackson lost in 2 rounds in a war against a technical genius in McCallum who was also a solid puncher himself. Then gets stopped twice against arguably the one of the hardest MW punchers who was also a vicious fighter. After that he was later stopped by Quincy Taylor who was also a hard hitter. Then loses twice more by KO but by then he was already washed up and at the end of his career. Just something to point out regarding his losses.