WBA to order Erislandy Lara vs. Brian Castano

The WBA’s stated desire to reduce the number of belts in play has been...inconsistently enforced, to put it kindly. They’re still making an effort, though, and ESPN reports that the sanctioning body will order “Super” super welterweight champ Erislandy Lara to face “regular” champ Brian Castano.

Lara (25-2-2, 14 KO) has feasted on the middle ranks of the division since his split decision loss to Canelo Alvarez in 2014, with Ishe Smith and Vanes Matirosyan being the most significant victories in his current six-fight streak. He was last seen winning a snoozer against Terrell Gausha.

At 34, he really needs to start fighting quality opponents sooner rather than later.

Castano (14-0, 10 KO) might or might not be one. After winning the interim belt in a back-and-forth slugfest with Emmanuel de Jesus, Castano took a massive step up against Michel Soro and won a decision on the latter’s home turf.

He was promoted to standard champion when Demetrius Andrade moved to middleweight.

It’s not Jarrett Hurd or Jermell Charlo, but I suppose there are worse fights out there for Lara, and at least this one takes a belt off the table.