After Nietes, Casimero now spars with Melindo

IBF junior flyweight champion Johnriel Casimero (17W-2L, 10 KOs) is less then a month away from his scheduled title defense in Panama against Luis Alberto ‘Pan Blanco’ Rios (18W-1L-1D, 13 KOs) and the Leyte native, who fights out of the Omega Gym, has maintained his regular visits to the ALA Gym for his afternoon sparring sessions.

“I am now sparring with Milan Melindo,” Casimero informed CDN Wednesday before starting his training regimen. “Last week, I was still sparring with Donnie Nietes.”

Casimero is scheduled to leave for Panama on March 8 for his title defense which is set on March 16. Nietes will be defending his WBO lt.flyweight world title here in Cebu City on March 2 while Melindo is penned for a fight in Macau on April 6.

Casimero’s trainer Pingping Tepora also spoke told CDN that he is confident that his boxer will be in tip-top fighting shape for his second defense on the road.

Last year, Casimero defended his crown by beating Pedro Guevara by split decision in Mexico.

Another Filipino, John Mark Apolinario will face Panamanian Roberto Vasquez in the same March 16 fight card for the interim WBA bantamweight title. /Correspondent Rene Bonsubre Jr.