Casimero guns for KO vs Micah

Johnriel Casimero wants to knock Duke Micah out. As to what round, he didn’t say.

“This is my first time on Showtime so I want to give everyone watching an impressive performance. I’ll go for the knockout,” said Casimero during the final press conference of the pay per view fight card on Saturday, September 26 (Sunday, September 27, Philippine time) at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.

“This is a big opportunity to show the world who I am,” said Casimero, who’ll be dangling the World Boxing Organization bantamweight crown against the unbeaten Micah. “I promise I will do my best this fight. I am extremely ready to give it my all.”

Holed up in Las Vegas since late February owing to his scrapped unification with Naoya Inoue on April 25, Casimero has trained for the longest time in his 13-year career which saw him compile a 29-4 record with 20 knockouts and become a three-division world champion.

No wonder, the pride of Ormoc City thinks highly of himself.

“My opponent is a mature boxer with good experience. But I’m going to be too strong for him. I believe I’m the best at 118-pounds,” said Casimero on Wednesday.

Micah, who totes a 24-0 slate with 19 knockouts against undistinguished opposition, vows to make the most out of the opportunity.

“I’m so grateful for this moment. This is a massive night for me. It all comes down to this and we are coming to win,” said Micah.

According to the Brooklyn-based Micah, he has studied Casimero’s style and is ready to counter his movements. (READ: Micah relishes underdog tag vs Casimero in title tiff)

“I have to stick to my game plan. I expect my opponent to box and move,” said Micah. “I’ve prepared for a couple attacks that I think he will use. I’ve never been more ready for a fight than I am for this one.”

Aware of the quality of opposition Casimero has faced, Micah said he worked doubly hard to raise his skill further.

“Casimero is a good boxer, but I’m a different fighter than I’ve been in the past,” he said. “I’ve improved my game so much working with Andre Rozier. The fans will see it on Saturday night, and they will become instant fans of my electrifying style.”

Whether it will give Casimero trouble, however, remains to be seen.

That is if Micah can survive Casimero’s onslaught. – Rappler.com