Very different styles. I like them both, would be an extremely interesting matchup imo..... :think:bbb LW 15 rounds
The unspectacular, but oh so technically proficient and focused Watt would win a 15 round decision. he would outbox Castillo. Watt had very sound fundamentals..that would have made the difference, though Castillo would have been doggedly tough the whole way through.
:good It was my first thought as well Red. But I generally consider Castillo a tough fight to anyone.. so......I voted too close....
Castillo was probably just that bit better, and less likely to cut. But Watt was used to the 15 round distance. I suspect if it ever could happen, where the fight was would to a point of decided the result. But in a totally neutral venue, I think Castillo gets the split of the judges votes.
I think Castillo would beat Watt more often than not. Jim didn't really have much to keep the tough durable aggressors off with, and Castillo is a technically sound, varied and accurate enough puncher to get the better of most exchanges and any infighting. He would eat a load of jabs, but i expect him to be able to walk through the slow retreating, minimalist jabbing Watt's punching comfort zone.Use his more varied combintion punching to outwork Jim, with the Scot lacking the foot speed or reflexive defensive work to untangle himself often enough from protracted exchanges. Watt is better suited to frustrating outfighting stylists than he is to matador good busy pressure fighters.He could probably agitate anyone in the division that tries to jab with him, yet give him someone that isn't interested in fencing or patient punchpicking and treats him with little respect and he tended to struggle.His ordinary physical tools became a real hindrance. Castillo could well get a bit frustrated and run close, though i expect he'll have the style to grind things out.
I lean toward Castillo, but not due to any disrespect for Watt, who I appreciate. But Castillo had excellent subtle skills, he was one of the best infighters in the game at his best, and he was actually surprisingly effective working behind the jab.
I think Jim struggles to keep Castillo off him the later the fight goes on. I think Watt wins the first half of the fight but with the pressure that Castillo puts on, especially to the body, Castillo would be in control the 2nd half of the fight and would win a deserved but close fight. Very good fight though, great styles matchup.
This could very well come down to a close victory for Watt followed by a win for Castillo in a rematch. They may have fought a series.
Close fight, and I favour Watt as far as technical proficiency goes, but Castillo's size would be pretty hard to overcome for a basic, no frills workman like Jim.