Yesterday, January 31, at Madison Square Garden in New York, during the major “The Ring VI” event promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Top Rank and broadcast live on DAZN, the vacant WBC featherweight world title was on the line. In the ring were American Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (17-0-0), the interim champion determined to claim the full world title, and Mexico-born, California-based Carlos Alejandro Castro Manríquez (30-4-0). Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington won by knockout in the ninth round, becoming the new WBC featherweight world champion.
The first fighter to enter the arena, announced by the ring announcer, was Carlos Alejandro Castro Manríquez. When Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington was introduced, Madison Square Garden erupted.
Round 1
The fight gets underway. Both boxers meet in the center of the ring. Each tries to establish the jab. A long feeling-out phase follows, with composed boxing from both sides. Single punches are thrown, eyes locked—it’s also psychological warfare. Toward the end of the round, Castro goes to the body, but the cleanest punch of the first three minutes is Carrington’s sharp jab that snaps Manríquez’s chin.
Round 2
Castro, following his corner’s instructions, looks for openings with the jab. Carrington tries to double up his punches, mixing in body work.
Round 3
Both fighters are very mobile. Neither wants to give ground, and the action remains at center ring. Midway through the round, Carrington launches a sustained attack, working “downstairs and upstairs,” drawing appreciation from the crowd.
Round 4
Castro manages to cut off the ring and trap the interim champion in the corners. Manríquez fires fast combinations and appears to be in a strong moment. After a right hand to the temple, “Shu Shu” looks momentarily shaken but immediately responds with a straight punch and moves away on his legs, showcasing all his defensive skills.
Round 5
Castro claims the center of the ring, working effectively behind the jab, aware that he won the fourth round and riding a wave of confidence. Carrington remains alert and mobile, but in the second minute he again appears briefly shaken by a right hook. The Mexican attempts to press the action.
Round 6
Both fighters remain at center ring, working at close and mid-range. They clinch several times in active exchanges, with Carrington doing excellent work to the body.
Round 7
From the opening seconds, Carrington appears to have more fuel in the tank. The fight continues at close and mid-range, but “Shu Shu” is operating at twice the speed of his opponent. He lands more easily to both head and body. Castro tries to respond, but the interim champion slips with great skill. The impression is that Carrington has begun the demolition process.
Round 8
Early in the round there is an accidental clash of heads. The referee halts the action to check that neither fighter is injured. Once the fight resumes, it seems to return to a cautious phase. Several seconds pass with both men looking for the right moment to attack. When Castro tries to work to the body, he must rely on all his defensive ability to avoid Carrington’s lightning-fast counters.
Round 9
Carrington takes the center of the ring as Castro circles him. “Shu Shu” looks loose, highly mobile and reactive, while Castro appears to be fading physically. With 1:45 left in the round, Carrington lands a precise and powerful right hook to Castro’s jaw, leaving him frozen on his feet, head bowed and arms hanging. Before Castro collapses to the canvas, Carrington has time to land a left hook followed by a right hand. The referee begins the count, but it is unnecessary—Manríquez cannot rise within ten seconds. It’s over.
Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington is the new WBC featherweight world champion.
Carrington entered the bout unbeaten and as the favorite. In the days leading up to the fight, he had stated: “I’m going to take what’s mine. After beating Castro Manríquez, I’ll work to make my plan a reality: unifying the belts.”
We will see whether he has the determination to carry out that plan. It is worth noting, however, that he has never fought a bout in which he had to prove he possesses a granite chin. Tonight, in an immediate assessment, he appeared shaken on a couple of occasions. Stronger tests await.
Castro stepped into the ring for his 34th professional fight. On the eve of the bout he appeared focused and confident, stating: “I’m one of the best featherweights. I’m not afraid of anyone. Fighting for a world title is a dream come true.”
Ultimately, Castro showed that he truly is a very good boxer. At this stage we do not know whether he will receive another title opportunity, but one thing is certain: he still has a great deal to give—in terms of excitement—to our beloved sport.