Jose Luis Castillo vs Cesar Bazan

The second defence of Jose Luis Castillo's WBC lightweight crown demonstrated his punching power and ability to systematically break down a tough opponent. At the MGM Grand on January 20, 2001, Castillo (41-4-1) faced Cesar Bazan (38-3-1) in what proved to be an entertaining show of power punching.

Coming off a controversial draw with Stevie Johnston in his previous outing, Castillo needed to make a statement. The early rounds saw both 135-pounders fighting cautiously, with Bazan attempting to use his reach while Castillo pressed forward behind a high guard. All three judges (Filippo, Castellano, and Williams) had Castillo ahead 48-46 when the decisive sequence began.

In round five, Castillo's pressure paid dividends when he dropped Bazan for the first time. The Mexican champion closed the show in the sixth, scoring another knockdown before referee Vic Drakulich stopped the contest at 2:54. The HBO-televised bout, promoted by Top Rank, reinforced Castillo's status as one of the division's most formidable champions.