Lenin Castillo was violently knocked out earlier today in his fight against Callum Smith, and while there were very scary moments after the right hand landed in London, the latest update from promoter Eddie Hearn is that Castillo is OK.
“It was a horrible knockout. He’s fine. He’s in hospital for precautions, but he’s fine, which is fantastic,” Hearn said on the DAZN broadcast.
The shot that Smith (28-1, 20 KO) landed was one of beautiful brutality, and had the 33-year-old Castillo’s body twitching and vibrating when he hit the canvas. Cameras for DAZN did not film any of the medical attention Castillo received, and while the knockout highlight is obviously out there, neither DAZN nor Matchroom have posted official video of it online.
Castillo (21-4-1, 16 KO) had previously gone the distance in a world title fight with Dmitry Bivol in 2019, and also went a 10-round distance with contender Marcus Browne in 2018. This wasn’t on paper one of the worst mismatches you’ll find in boxing, or even a contender for that title, it was just a devastating punch landed with full force and precision, a frightening jolt and reminder that you truly do not play boxing.