Castro’s recent record tells the story. His three losses came against the best fighters he has faced. Stephen Fulton. Brandon Figueroa. Luis Nery. Those defeats did not disqualify him from contention, but they defined his level. He has not beaten anyone who changed the direction of the division. He is also returning from a long layoff after losing a close decision to Fulton in late 2024. That version of Castro is competent and experienced. It is not dangerous in a way that reshapes expectations. For Carrington, that distinction matters.
At 28 years old, Carrington is no longer operating on prospect time. He is being moved with a level of caution usually reserved for fighters still learning how to be professionals. That caution became noticeable after his majority decision win over Sulaiman Segawa. Segawa is awkward and tricky, but not elite. When the fight became uncomfortable, Carrington struggled to control it. He was not exposed as untalented. He was exposed as unfinished.
The response from his handlers was telling. Instead of stepping him toward a clearer test, the path narrowed. Mateus Heita followed. Now Castro. Each move reduced risk rather than answered questions.
That is how you protect a fighter. It is not how you build one. Winning a vacant title under these conditions creates a strange outcome. Carrington may leave with a belt, but without the authority that usually comes with it. The doubts do not disappear. They simply change shape. Instead of asking whether he is ready, people will ask who he has actually beaten.
The frustration from fans is not about Castro being unworthy. It is about the opportunity cost. Featherweight is full of fights that would have forced Carrington to show something concrete.
A fight with Nick Ball would have been ugly and demanding. Ball does not allow clean rounds or controlled pacing. A fight with Rafael Espinoza would have tested Carrington’s ability to deal with size and sustained pressure. Angelo Leo would have offered a meaningful domestic comparison and a recent reference point for form.
Even a move to junior lightweight would have made more sense for someone talking about ambition. Emanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez represent real danger and real consequence. Those fights carry the risk of loss, but also the reward of clarity.
Instead, this title fight feels designed to end without disturbance. A long fight. A clean scorecard. A belt secured without damage. That may be good business in the short term, but it does nothing for Carrington’s standing.
Titles still mean something. How they are won still matters. Carrington has ability. He moves well. He thinks in the ring. But at some point, guidance turns into avoidance, and promise turns into delay.
If he wins this fight, he will be a champion on paper. The harder work will begin the moment the final bell rings.
