Casimero steps up preparations

IBF junior flyweight champion Johnriel Casimero (17W-2L, 10 KOs) continues to make progress in his preparations for his upcoming second title defense in Panama on March 16 against mandatory challenger Luis Alberto ‘Pan Blanco’ Rios (18W-1L-1D, 13 KOs).

Casimero has sparred twice with another world champion preparing for his defense, WBO junior flyweight champ Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes at the ALA Gym.

Casimero was at his home base, the Omega Boxing Gym in Mabolo Wednesday and hit the punch mitts with Trainer Cristopher ‘PingPing’ Tepora.

“His sparring sessions with Nietes lasted four rounds,” Tepora informed CDN. “Nietes mixes different sparring partners in one session. Johnriel will approach his peak form and fighting weight once we leave for Panama.”

The sparring sessions are beneficial for both champions. Nietes will defend his title here in Cebu City against Mexico’s Moises Fuentes on March 2.

Omega Gym manager James Osorio also spoke to CDN about Casimero’s training. “His stamina is improving. I’m confident he’ll make weight easily, he will even be at 108 lbs when he leaves for Panama. So, he’ll be able to eat on the plane and maintain his strength.”

Casimero proceeded to pummel the heavy bag after his mitts session. It’s been six months since his last fight, a split decision win in Mexico against Pedro Guevara.

Rios meanwhile, earned the right to be the mandatory challenger by stopping Mexican Felipe Salguero in eleven rounds last October. The Panamanian challenger’s only loss was by 4th round TKO to Luis Carillo of Colombia in 2010. The website boxrec.com cites a shoulder injury in that fight. Rios avenged the loss last year by 5th round TKO.