Johnston vs. Castillo

Hot take: I thought Stevie Johnston did enough to beat José Luis Castillo in both fights. They were close, competitive fights, but I felt Johnston’s sharper work and ring IQ should have earned him the wins. What do you guys think—did the judges get it wrong? And if Johnston had gotten the nod, could it have led to a fight with Mayweather Jr.? Stylistically, it would have been an intriguing matchup. Johnston was a slick, skilled southpaw with great footwork and a solid inside game. Mayweather, still developing into his prime at lightweight, hadn’t yet faced someone with Johnston’s blend of movement and pressure. Could Stevie have given Floyd real problems, or would Mayweather’s adjustments and ring IQ have been too much?

Can't remember the contest but José Luis Castillo was unknown at the time and looking back shows how good Steve Johnston was. This was the fight where he was declared the winner but later said was a draw when they saw the judge had not counted correctly.

If Johnston had won then he would have probably had to face Castillo again for a 3rd time.

Southpaws gave Floyd Mayweather problems but think he would have worked out Johnston out and won on points. Casamajor would have been a bigger threat to Floyd or even Acelino Freitas.

Master, Johnston and Castillo fought twice—Johnston lost the first by majority decision, and the second fight is the one you're thinking of, where Johnston was initially announced the winner. However, a miscalculated scorecard (which should have read 114-114) allowed Castillo to retain his belt.

I agree that had Johnston won, a third fight with Castillo may have been likely. But it’s also worth noting that Arum originally wanted Floyd to move up and face Johnston before his loss to Castillo. So if Johnston had won, a fight with Mayweather might have happened instead.

I’m not sure I agree that Floyd struggled with southpaws. His amateur record doesn’t reflect that, he had some difficulties with certain fighters like Corley and Judah, I’d place Johnston in that same category. As for Casamayor and Freitas, I think Johnston beats both. The only real edge either had over him was power, but overall, I see him coming out on top, with Casamayor providing the tougher challenge.

A potential matchup between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Stevie Johnston at lightweight:

Prediction
Johnston might bank some early rounds by outworking Mayweather and capitalizing on his slow starts against southpaws. However, as the fight progresses, Floyd’s precision, defensive adjustments, and superior ring generalship would take over. By the championship rounds, Mayweather would be picking Johnston apart, countering effectively, and controlling the pace.

Official Prediction: Floyd Mayweather Jr. by unanimous decision 116-112.

Johnston’s craft and southpaw stance would make things competitive in spots, but Mayweather’s superior accuracy, adaptability, and defensive sharpness would lead him to a clear but hard-earned victory.

Floyd was very good at that time so he may have won against Johnston on points. Only the best beat him during Johnston prime. Sugar Shane Mosely being the other quality boxer.