SUMMARY
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The moment Johnriel Casimero’s body shots landed, he felt Duke Micah won’t last.
True enough, Casimero disposed of the Ghanaian in the 3rd round, retained the World Boxing Organization bantamweight crown, and barged into the international scene. (READ: Casimero defends WBO bantam crown with Micah KO)
“In the first round I saw the body shot hurt him and thought I could get him out right away, but he’s a good boxer who was undefeated for a reason,” Casimero said during the post-fight conference at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Micah gamely traded bombs in the opening round, but lagged in the 2nd as Casimero unleashed body shots that forced the challenger to open up.
Casimero sneaked in a left hook and a right cross and Micah went down at the 1:42 mark. He got up on rickety legs and Casimero pelted him with crippling body blows in the last 20 seconds.
Micah answered the 3rd not fully recovered and the ring physician examined him for danger signs.
Casimero continued his body assault and with Micah stung by a pair of uppercuts, referee Steve Willis stepped in and stopped further punishment.
“I worked hard and got the win tonight,” said Casimero, who sported blond hair for his first pay-per-view appearance.
“The 2nd round the uppercut hurt him, but Duke Micah works hard, he’s strong and has a good chin. I knew I was facing a good fighter, so I didn’t expect to knock him out so fast. He’s strong so maybe he’ll go 12 rounds.”
His sixth straight knockout victory and 21st overall raised Casimero’s record to 30-4. Micah absorbed his first defeat after 24 wins with 19 knockouts.
Reaping the benefits of over 7 months of training in Las Vegas, Casimero was sharp and accurate, connecting on 52% of his power shots while beating Micah to the trigger, 59 to 26.
In high spirits, Casimero called out Naoya Inoue, who was supposed to be his opponent on an April 23 unification cancelled out by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You’re no monster, you’re a Japanese turtle,” he said of the Japanese fighter nicknamed ‘The Monster.’
“I’m the real monster. Come on Naoya (Inoue). You’re scared of me. You’re next,” said Casimero, who’s hoping to forge a fight with Naoya, Mexican Luis Nery or Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux early next year.
“I would have knocked out anyone today,” said Casimero.
Former World Boxing Association super bantamweight champion Bones Adam manned Casimero’s corner with Stephen Lunas.
The three-division world champion got a hug of appreciation from Sean Gibbons, head of MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions, who secured the Micah fight after Team Inoue opted to fight Australian Jason Moloney instead. – Rappler.com
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