Boxing: Casimero targets revenge against flyweight champ Ruenroeng

MANILA, Philippines – After a foul-filled first encounter last year, Filipino boxing contender Johnriel Casimero  is targeting revenge when he faces IBF flyweight titleholder Amnat Ruenroeng on Wednesday, May 25 at the Diamond Court in Beijing, China.

Casimero, 26, of Ormoc City, was left frustrated in their first fight last June in Ruenroeng’s home country of Thailand, as the hometown fighter was allowed to slam Casimero to the canvas with impunity by unknown referee Larry Doggett. Casimero also had a dodgy knockdown called against him in round 7 – another knockdown was legitimate – while being denied his own clear knockdown in round 3.

Ruenroeng won the fight by unanimous decision by scores of 116-110, 115-110 and 113-112, but the International Boxing Federation, which is hosting the rematch at its annual convention, maintained the former IBF junior flyweight titleholder Casimero as the mandatory challenger due to the circumstances of the fight.

“I’m excited for our fight. I hope the referee won’t allow the same dirty tactics like what happened before,” says Casimero (21-3, 13 knockouts). Casimero, who will be fighting in his seventh country, is no stranger to difficulties abroad, having survived a riot after his title-winning performance against Argentinian Luis Lazarte in 2012.

“The dirty tricks counted for a lot. It could have been the chance of Casimero but the third man in the ring was not able to do his job properly at the expense of Casimero. It could have been different if Larry Doggett stopped the behavior of Ruenroeng. We don’t mind losing as long as the fight is clean and clear,” added Sammy Gello-ani, who promotes Casimero.

The IBF has assigned longtime Nevada official Tony Weeks to referee the bout while the 3 judges appointed are Robin Taylor of New York, Deon Dwarte of South Africa and Steve Weisfeld of New Jersey, IBF Championships Chairman Lindsey Tucker says.

An email to Ruenroeng’s promoter Jimmy Chaichotchuang seeking comment was not returned by time of publication.

Casimero has not fought in the 11 months since their first meeting, passing up opportunities that might risk him losing his mandatory ranking. The 36-year-old Ruenroeng (17-0, 5 KOs) has fought once since, defeating Myung Ho Lee in December.

Casimero spent the beginning of training camp preparing in the isolated Mindanao town of Baliangao before relocating to Yraola Boxing Gym in Quezon City with trainer Jhun Agrabio for the past month, sparring with boxers from the Penalosa Gym. Gello-ani says the team is set to leave for Beijing on Sunday.

“(Casimero) knows that (this could be his last opportunity) and that’s why he’s very enthusiastic about this fight,” said Gello-ani. “Casimero is longing for a big fight and the stepping stone to this is a big win against Ruenroeng.” – Rappler.com