Erislandy Lara at age 35 is somehow still fending off and fighting young hungry lions. Lara vs Castano at the Barclays Center was a heck of a battle.

Round 1. Lara staggers Castano with a sharp left early in the first round. Lara looking very fresh

Round 2. Lara picking his punches and doing well, landing well. Castano is a young lion coming forward and being the aggressor, this should be a great fight.

Round 3. Wow Castano trying to make this fight a brawl and it’s working. Castano won round three and seems to be setting a fast pace to the fight. I don’t know if Lara can fight at Castano’s pace.

Round 4. Castano again won the round by pushing the action. Lara looks to be in for a long night, Lara’s go to have to sit on his punches more. For all of Castano’s speed- he is very hittable.

Round 5. Excellent entertaining round. Lara getting busier in the round and doing good work, but Vastano is refusing to ease up – his pace is relentless.

Round 6.  Another busy round for Castano, Castano is simply closing the distance to easy. He landed some very good shots on Lara. Lara also did some good work, but is still getting dominated.

Round 7 & 8. Castano takes a bit of a break from the fast pace he set. He loves throwing punches that kid. Lara may have weathered the storm as Lara had an excellent 8th round working Castano up and down. Lara landed some great body and head shots.

Round 9. What a great round Lara’s skill and experience against Castano’s will and youth. Lara taking on these young hungry lions at his age is a tall order for anyone. 

Round 10. Lara refusing to let go of his claim as the best in the division. Lara outclassed the young man in round 10.

Round 11. Excellent round of boxing both fighters giving the fans in Brooklyn there money’s worth. I think the winner of round 12 takes the fight.

Round 12. What a round. It was Lara heavy punches to Castano’s volume punching. I think Castano stole the 12th round. Let’s see what the judges say for this very close fight. Congratulations to Lara and Castano for a great show tonight.

And the winner is: Draw

I think the judge did great, Judge John McKaie had it 7 rounds to 5 for Lara and Judge Kevin Morgan had it 7 rounds to 5 for Castano. Finally Judge Julie Lederman has the fight 6 rounds a piece.

Looks like these warriors will do battle again in a very very exciting 154 pound division.

Photos courtesy of Stephanie Trapp &  Tom Casino.