AS he returned to a warm welcome fit for a world boxing champ, IBF light flyweight champion Johnriel “Quadro Alas” Casimero vows to try to make his reign as long as possible.
During yesterday’s homecoming press conference arranged by the International Pharmaceutical Inc. (IPI), Casimero’s manager Samson Gello-ani of SGG Promotions said he is targeting an October or November title defense for the Ormoc native who retained his title with a controversi
al split decision verdict over undefeated Mexican prospect Pedro Guevara (18-1-1) in Mazatlan, Mexico last Sunday.
“Johnriel and I talked about his plans and we agreed that we will be defending it for a long time maybe 10 or more so that he will become more popular. I am so proud of him because he won his title with blood and sweat in Argentina,” said Gello-ani.
Casimero (17-2, 10 KOs) has seven months to defend his title although a unification fight, according to Gello-ani, is not their priority. He said he will let his ward fight abroad where the prize money is much higher.
“He easily adapts to different climate and environment conditions that’s why I am very confident that he will win whenever he fights abroad,” said Gello-ani.
Christopher Tepora, Casimero’s trainer said they will upgrade Casimero’s training program to further enhance his skills. Casimero already fought in Nicaragua, twice in Mexico and in South Africa making him a genuine road warrior.
With regards to a title defense happening in the Philippines, Gello-ani said that could be problematic due to huge finances needed to bring a title fight here.
Casimero for his part thanked his fans for their support.
“I am very thankful for the support given to me by the Filipino people and I hope that I will win my next title defense,” said Casimero.
UNAVOIDABLE RISK
Meanwhile, Gello-ani said he confronted boxing judge Ruben Garcia, who scored the bout in favor of Guevarra, 114-113, despite Casimero flooring the Mexican twice.
“I really had reservations with Garcia. Remember, it was he who had Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. the winner against Nonito Donaire. So we kind of expected an unfair judging from him,” said Gello-ani.
Gello-ani admitted that fighting abroad is a risk due to questionable scoring by some judges. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL