IBF junior flyweight champ Casimero to defend vs Fuentes

MANILA, Philippines – After earning a reputation as one of the sport’s ultimate road warriors, there is no place like home for IBF junior flyweight titleholder Johnriel Casimero.

The 23-year-old Casimero (19-2, 11 knockouts) of Ormoc City will make his fourth title defense against Colombia’s Mauricio Fuentes (16-2, 10 KOs) on March 29 at a venue to be determined in the Philippines, confirms Casimero’s US-based handler Nathan Lewkowicz. It will be Casimero’s second consecutive defense in the Philippines, following his 11th round knockout of Felipe Salguero at Makati Coliseum in October.

Casimero has fought in six different countries since turning pro in 2007, which has given him a world of experience but caused him to fight under adverse conditions. In 2009 Casimero had his first step up in competition in Nicaragua, knocking out former titleholder Cesar Canchilla in 11 rounds, but lost his next bout in Mexico the following year by a split-decision to Raul Hirales.

In 2011, Casimero went to South Africa to challenge Moruti Mthalane for the IBF flyweight title, but was stopped in five rounds. Casimero complained that he had not properly acclimated to the Johannesburg’s 5,751 foot elevation and was exhausted prematurely.

Casimero won the interim version of the title he currently holds in 2012 when he knocked out Luis Lazarte in Argentina in 10 rounds. The unruly fans began to riot, throwing chairs and jumping into the ring to attack the Filipino principles. Casimero and team sought refuge under the ring. Casimero was elevated to full champion status shortly after when Mexico’s Ulises Solis was unable to meet his mandatory obligation.

Fuentes, 24, has won 13 straight fights since losing decisions to future title challengers Luis De La Rosa and Jorle Estrada in his first fights. His subsequent opponents have all had losing records, however.

Casimero’s trainer Christopher Tepora tells Rappler that Casimero has begun light training at the Omega Boxing Gym in Cebu City, but will begin serious preparation beginning next week.

Casimero is one of three Filipino boxing world champions, including WBO junior flyweight titleholder Donnie Nietes and WBO strawweight titleholder Merlito Sabillo, both of Bacolod City. – Rappler.com

Ryan Songalia is the sports editor of Rappler, a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) and a contributor to The Ring magazine. He can be reached at ryan@ryansongalia.com. An archive of his work can be found at ryansongalia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @RyanSongalia.