Murodjon Akhmadliev vs Luis Castillo: Who has the edge heading into their fight?

“The Monster” Naoya Inoue did his part earlier in the month by crushing Ramon Cardenas with an eighth-round TKO. Now, it is Murodjon Akhmadliev’s turn.

With a mega bout against Inoue in the balance, Akhmadliev (13-1, 10 KOs) will first look to defeat a rugged Luis Castillo (31-6, 20 KOs) at Domo Alcalde in Guadalajara, Mexico on Friday night.

Akhmadliev is coming off a third-round TKO win over Ricardo Espinoza Franco in December and wants to make it three straight victories heading into his showdown with Inoue in September.

Meanwhile, Castillo last produced a unanimous decision over Brandon Contreras Pena in December 2023.

With the stakes high and “The Monster” looming for Akhmadliev, DAZN News analyzes who has the egde heading into this fight.

Boxing styles

Murodjon Akhmadliev has etched his 13-1 pro ledger with an incessant motor.

An expert on spacing, the Uzbek southpaw is able to step in and out the pocket with rhythm, all while diversifying his punch portfolio with everything from crisp jabs to body shots and electric left hooks.

His pacing and pressuring tend to give opponents fits and will both be used in tandem to wear a durable, experienced Luis Castillo down.

Also, Castillo could be battling a bit of ring rust, having not fought in over a year.

Edge: Akhmadliev

Power

Akhmadliev touts a knockout percentage of nearly 77 percent, having rebounded from his sole pro defeat — a split-decision loss to Marlon Tapales in April 2023 — by registering back-to-back stoppage wins.

Meanwhile, Castillo has won 20 of his 31 fights by knockout, signaling his power is not too shabby, either.

That said, Akhmadliev is the fresher man with more pop to his punch, equipped with the better footwork and movement to unload his power.

Edge: Akhmadliev

Mental Warfare

Yes, Castillo touts way more experience with nearly triple the amount of fights that Akhmadliev has and that savvy is something the Uzbek fighter will have to overcome.

However, a potentially life-changing super fight against boxing sensation Naoya Inoue is on deck and within reach.

All Akhmadliev has to do is make sure he does not suffer a setback against Castillo.

The urgency for Akhmadliev is therefore pressing with the mental edge in his favor.

Edge: Akhmadliev

Who has the edge in Akhmadliev vs. Castillo?

Across three key categories, DAZN News has the edge going to Akhmadliev, 3-0. Inoue already said the chilling words “Next, September, MJ,” placing the ball in Akhmadliev’s court.

A dominant, statement victory from Akhmadliev against a gritty Castillo will only figure to mash the dash on the buildup toward him trying to tame “The Monster" next.

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