It’s third time lucky for Castro as the amateur sensation makes his professional debut after false starts in Tulsa and Florida. The Fresno talent amassed a 177-7 record in the amateur code and won countless titles all over the world, and now the 21 year old will finally step through the ropes having missed out in Oklahoma due to COVID and in Hollywood with an ankle strain.

“It’s been a crazy year but I’m ready to get my pro career started on one of the best cards of the year, God willing,” said Castro. “The positive COVID result and the ankle injury were just little setbacks that I have fully recovered from and I cannot wait to get started in the pros on December 19.”

Pacheco (10-0 8 KOs) moved into double figures in Mexico City in October with his eighth stoppage win – and the powerful and rangy teen takes another big step on his pro journey, with his first eight rounder against Rodolfo Gomez Jr (14-4-1 10 KOs) in Texas.

“I’m really happy and excited that I get to close out the year on the biggest show of the year,” said Pacheco. “I’m moving up to eight rounds which is exciting for me, and I really hope I can push on and on from here into 2021.”

Espino (6-0 4 KOs) completes the trio of Mexican-American Matchroom talents on the card, and the 20 year old will fight for the seventh time in the paid ranks in Texas against Ashton Sykes (5-3 1 KO) and for the first time since fighting in the Lone Star state in February.

“I’m so excited for the opportunity to be on the biggest card of year,” said Espino. “I’ve been working harder than ever and I’m ready to put on a great show.”

‘Ammo’ Williams (6-0 5 KOs) recorded his fifth KO win from six pro-outings in Mexico City alongside Pacheco, and the Houston native faces Isaiah Jones (9-3 3 KOs) in his home state for the second time having fought in Arlington in June 2019.

“2020 was the toughest and most unexpected year of my life,” said Williams. “I was tested mentally, physically and emotionally but I overcame all my trials! Now I get to put a guy to sleep on the biggest card of the year! Hard work, faith, and dedication always pays off!”

Castro, Pacheco, Espino and Williams take their place on a blockbuster night, topped by Canelo (53-2-1 36 KOs) challenging Smith (27-0 19 KOs) for the Briton’s WBA and Ring Magazine World Super-Middleweight titles, and exciting Mexican pocket powerhouse Julio Cesar Martinez(17-1 13 KOs) defends his WBC World Flyweight title against Francisco Rodriguez Jr (33-4-1 24 KOs) – with more action to be added.