Casimero to defend IBF title on May 13

Renowned international boxing promoter and match maker Sampson Lewkowicz said IBF Interim light flyweight champion Johnriel “Quadro Alas” Casimero will make his first title defense on May 13 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Lewkowicz, who was in Cebu to give Casimero his IBF interim light flyweight belt, said the Ormoc City pride is scheduled to face WBA interim light flyweight champion and former Mexican minimum weight champion Sammy “Guty” Gutierrez.

According to Lewkowicz, Gutierrez is one of the best boxers in his division. He sports a record of 31 wins with 21 knockouts, seven losses, and two draws. Ulesis Solis, the legitimate champion of the IBF light flyweight title, will have to wait until Oct. 31 for his shot at the crown since he was severely injured and was advised to undergo therapy and surgery.

Casimero is coming off a controversial victory against Luis Lazarte in Argentina, where he was mauled by his opponent’s fans.

Lewkowicz, meanwhile, said he sees potential in Casimero.

“I remembered last 2001 when I first brought Manny Pacquiao to the United States and I knew at that moment that this man will change the world of boxing. Right now, I see it in Casimero.”

Lewkowicz also commented on the controversial match of Rey “Boom-boom” Bautista, who fought a “fake” Genaro Garcia last Sunday in Bohol.

“I will give them my full support. Antonio L. Aldeguer is like my brother. I would like to congratulate them because they made the right thing to chase down Correa.”

Lewkowicz and WBC president Jose Sulaiman will meet in Las Vegas to talk about their plans for Correa.

“We will punish him the hard way because what he did is very damaging.”

Banning Correa permanently in the boxing world is now being considered.