Casimero vows to keep IBF crown vs Rios

IBF junior flyweight champion Johnriel Casimero, together with trainer Pingping Tepora and Promoter Sammy Gello-ani, are now in Panama for the Omega gym boxer’s title defense against Luis Alberto ‘Pan Blanco’ Rios on March 16 (March 17 in the Philippines) at the Megapolis Convention Center in Panama City.

Casimero spent his first couple of days in Panama having a routine medical checkup performed by doctors of the Panama Boxing Commission and attending the fight card’s final press conference.

Promoter Sammy Gello-ani informed CDN by e-mail that everything is okay as far as the medicals were concerned. Casimero reportedly weighed 113 lbs. during the unofficial weigh-in, five pounds over the division limit while Rios stepped in at 111 lbs.

The card’s official weigh-in is held one day before the actual fight and Team Casimero is confident they can easily make 108 lbs.

Philboxing writer Carlos Costa of Panama reported that Casimero stated during the presscon that “I feel much respect for Rios, but I came to Panama to win. I will retain my title.”

Rios on the other hand said that his preparation and conditioning training will make him victorious. “I have worked so hard to become the 30th boxing world champion born in Panama.”

The co-main event is another Philippines vs. Panama affair with John Mark “Iceman” Apolinario of Sarangani battling Roberto “La Araña” Vasquez in a grudge rematch for the WBA interim bantamweight title. The two fought to a draw last November in Argentina.