world boxing

Donaire, Casimero raring to fight it out for right to tangle with Inoue

Roy Luarca

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Donaire, Casimero raring to fight it out for right to tangle with Inoue

HISTORIC. Bantamweight champions Nonito Donaire (left) and Johnriel Casimero will figure in the first all-Filipino unification bout.

Donaire Instagram/Team Casimero

Nonito Donaire thinks he's still ‘in tremendous shape’ and will be ready in time for his August clash with fellow Filipino bantamweight champion Johnriel Casimero

Nonito Donaire has felt Naoya Inoue’s power. Johnriel Casimero hasn’t.

No wonder, the two Filipino bantamweight champions who will figure in a unification on Saturday, August 14 (Sunday, August 15, Philippine time) have different views on Inoue’s three-round demolition of Michael Dasmariñas on Saturday night, June 19, at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.

According to Casimero, Inoue put up a “good performance” in defending his World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation bantamweight crowns against Dasmariñas, but stated things would turn out different when they finally meet in the ring.

That is if Casimero gets past Donaire, a four-division world champion, and at 38, is the new World Boxing Council 118-pound king.

Donaire said Inoue appeared “a lot stronger” than when the Japanese “Monster” beat him by unanimous decision two years ago in Japan but is looking forward to a rematch.

Granting, of course, he beats the confident Casimero.

“I will do my best to win (over Donaire) and meet Inoue next,” Casimero told Fighthype.com. “See you soon (Inoue).”

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Inoue stops Dasmariñas with crushing body shots

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Donaire said Casimero is a tough guy but believes he has the power to knock anybody out – including Inoue – at 118.

Having knocked out Nordine Oubaali only on May 29, Donaire thinks he’s still “in tremendous shape” and will be ready in time for the clash with Casimero at Dignity Health Sports Complex in Carson, California.

Donaire said Casimero, the World Boxing Organization champion, is flat-footed and wouldn’t be able to cope with his speed.

Unknown to Donaire, Casimero holds two old grudges against him.

Casimero claimed on Silvervoice TV on Friday that Donaire once told him to speak in English as he can’t understand Tagalog, and also refused to spar with him once. 

The showdown will mark the first time that two Filipino world champions will figure in a unification bout. – Rappler.com

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