Carlos De Leon Castro stays perfect with explosive TKO win in Orlando
Puerto Rico has a new rising force in the featherweight division.
Carlos De Leon Castro (6-0, 5 KOs) delivered a spectacular performance on Saturday night at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, stopping seasoned veteran Wilner Soto (24-22, 13 KOs) in a scheduled 4‑round bout that served as another major statement in his young career.The event—co‑promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Boxlab Promotions, was televised live on DAZN, giving De Leon a national platform to showcase his talent. Under the bright lights, the 20‑year‑old from Puerto Rico electrified the crowd, overwhelming Soto with speed, aggression, and pinpoint power that forced the referee to halt the contest.
From the moment the bell rang, De Leon, who is promoted by Boxlab Promotions, fought with confidence and control, walking down the veteran and landing clean power shots round after round. Even against a fighter with more than 45 professional bouts, De Leon looked like the seasoned pro, closing the distance and firing combinations that Soto could not withstand.
After the bout, a confident—but still hungry—De Leon shared his excitement about putting on a show for fans watching around the world. “I wanted to give everyone watching something to remember,” De Leon said. “Fighting live on DAZN, I knew I had to make it special. When I saw him hurt, I closed the show. Fight fans want knockouts—and I showed them the power I’m bringing.”
De Leon, who proudly carries the Puerto Rican flag into every fight, also spoke about his dreams and the weight of the boxing legacy from his island. “As I’ve said before, Puerto Rico has produced legends like Cotto and Trinidad, and I want to be the next name on that list,” he stated. “I fight for my island every time I step into the ring. I want the world to know there’s a new star coming out of Puerto Rico.”
With five knockouts in his last six wins, De Leon believes this victory was a major step forward. “This was a huge night for me,” De Leon Castro continued. “Beating a veteran like Soto shows people I’m not just knocking out beginners…I’m taking out experienced fighters too. Now the division has to pay attention. I’m coming, and I’m coming fast.”
De Leon made it clear he doesn’t plan on slowing down. “I’m ready to go right back to work,” he concluded. “Let me rest for a week and then put me back in camp. I want bigger fights, tougher names, and more chances to prove I’m the real deal. I’m just getting started.”
Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, was highly impressed with De Leon’s performance and the maturity he showed against a battle-tested opponent. “Carlos has every ingredient you look for in the next great Puerto Rican star,” Piedra said. “He fights with passion, intelligence, and real power. Even against a veteran with more than 45 professional fights, he remained composed, calculated, and dangerous from start to finish. Puerto Rico has a rich boxing legacy, and Carlos has the talent to carry that torch. He has the charisma, the fan‑friendly style, and the work ethic to go a very long way. Boxing fans should pay close attention—this young man is special. Performances like this remind us why he’s one of the most exciting young prospects in boxing.”
De Leon’s latest victory adds fuel to a fast‑rising career, and with growing momentum, highlight‑reel power, and a national fanbase discovering him, Puerto Rico’s next star may already be here.
