Shocking Upsets in Puerto Rico: Marc Castro and Jalil Hackett Stunned by Unknown Opponents

A night full of surprises, Puerto Rico witnessed two of Matchroom Boxing’s top American prospects, Marc Castro and Jalil Hackett, suffer crushing upsets—defeating their reputations and revealing the harsh realities of professional boxing. Will they overcome the shock and rise back to the top? Keep an eye on these two as they fight to reclaim their potential!

Marc Castro Shocked by Agustin Ezequiel Quintana

In a night full of surprises, Marc Castro—one of Matchroom Boxing’s most hyped American prospects—was stunned in Puerto Rico on December 7, 2024. The 25-year-old lightweight from Fresno, California, entered his bout against Argentina’s Agustin Ezequiel Quintana as a massive favorite, but despite his amateur accolades, he lost by split decision in a thrilling 10-round bout. Castro (13-1, 8 KOs) struggled with Quintana’s relentless aggression and couldn’t adapt to the pressure, despite some effective counterpunching moments. Judges Carlos Colon and Gerardo Martinez scored the fight 97-93 and 96-94 for Quintana, while Luis Ruiz had it 96-94 in favor of Castro.

Castro’s Professional Setback: From Amateur Star to Struggling Pro

Castro’s highly anticipated professional career has hit a major roadblock. After signing with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in 2020, expectations soared, especially after his amateur victories over rising star Keyshawn Davis. However, injuries and a lack of defensive adjustment have hindered his progression. The loss to Quintana—now 21-2-1 (13 KOs)—highlights the challenges Castro faces as he transitions into the pro ranks. With this upset, Castro’s future now hangs in the balance.

Jalil Hackett’s Rocky Road: Outworked by Jose Roman

The bad news didn’t stop there for Matchroom prospects. Jalil Hackett, the 21-year-old welterweight from Washington, D.C., also suffered his first defeat in a split decision to Jose Roman of Puerto Rico. Hackett (9-1, 7 KOs) started strong but faded as Roman mounted an impressive comeback. Roman’s ability to land clean counters as Hackett’s stamina wore thin proved crucial. The judges scored it 96-94 for Roman, giving Hackett a taste of the tough competition that lies ahead.

Hackett’s Decline After Signing with Matchroom

Once a standout on Floyd Mayweather’s promotional roster, Hackett’s transition to Matchroom Boxing has been rocky. After an underwhelming win over Peter Dobson in his debut, Hackett’s defensive flaws and conditioning issues have come to the forefront. The loss to Roman (14-1, 6 KOs) signals the uphill battle Hackett faces if he hopes to return to his former status as one of boxing’s brightest prospects.

The Road Ahead: Can Castro and Hackett Bounce Back?

Both Marc Castro and Jalil Hackett have suffered devastating setbacks, but they still have the potential to make a strong comeback. For Castro, addressing his defensive deficiencies and improving his consistency will be key if he is to live up to his early hype. As for Hackett, focusing on his conditioning and improving his defense could help him get back on track. While these upsets are hard pills to swallow, both fighters have the talent to rebound and reignite their careers in the brutal world of professional boxing.