Casimero sees tough fight for Nietes, foe

IBF light flyweight champion Johnriel Casimero predicts an excellent and entertaining clash this Saturday between his countryman WBO light flyweight world champion Donnie Nietes and Mexican challenger, WBO minimumweight champion Moises Fuentes.

“It will be a great fight, both boxers are evenly matched,” Casimero told CDN yesterday prior to the start of his afternoon training session at the Omega Gym.

“Nietes will have the advantage not just because the fight is held here but because he has already fought at 108 lbs. He is already comfortable with the weight. I think he is the stronger fighter.”

Fuentes did say during the Team Mexico press conference last Tuesday at FORMO Restaurant that he went down to 105 lbs just to fight for a world title and 108 lbs is his ideal weight.

Casimero spent the first part of his training sparring with Nietes and Milan Melindo at the ALA Gym. He is now sparring with his Omega gym stablemates.

Casimero’s trainer Pingping Tepora said that he is satisfied with his boxer’s sparring sessions.

“What concerns us right now is reducing weight,” Tepora said. “Johnriel had to eat because he was using a lot of energy during sparring. But now, he can start his diet.”

Casimero will defend his title in Panama on March 16 against Luis Rios while Nietes will face Fuentes at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel this Saturday. /Correspondent Rene Bonsubre Jr