Brian Castano wasn’t exactly at the back of the line but he knew he had some work to do. That’s what happens when you get brutally stopped in your previous fight. Still, despite his loss to Jermell Charlo, Castano (17-1-2, 12 KOs) had the skills and name power to go on another run.

Although he was beltless, Castano was slowly putting the necessary pieces together in order to face Charlo again. It wasn’t a perfect path, but it was clear. Maybe a victory over Sebastian Fundora? Brian Mendoza did recently win the WBC interim title so a matchup against him also made sense. If Castano wanted to force Charlo’s hand, he could have packed his bags and headed to Australia to take on Tim Tszyu.

But just when Castano was on the verge of putting some action behind his plan, Charlo arbitrarily made a move that shocked the Argentinian. This Saturday night, the current undisputed kingpin at 154 pounds will move up in weight to face Canelo Alvarez for all of the super middleweight marbles.

Castano has a ton of respect for Charlo. He also reveres Alvarez. Although it won’t be easy, the former junior middleweight champion does believe that Alvarez (59-2-2, 39 KOs) will eventually leave Charlo staring up at the ceiling lights.

“I think Canelo is going to wear Charlo down little by little until he gets the knockout,” Castano told a group of reporters.

Charlo (35-1-1, 19 KOs) now has the floor...and the spotlight. Castano has already gone to the box office, purchased his ringside seat, and is excited to see how things play out. By and large, Charlo and Castano aren't enemies, but they aren’t best friends either.

If the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO 154-pound titlist is searching for a bit of advice ahead of the biggest night of his pugilistic life, he won’t find any of it from Castano. Charlo is a great fighter and as accomplished as they come. According to Castano, he doesn’t need guidance, despite facing someone as lethal as Alvarez.

“Charlo is experienced and he knows exactly what to do.”