Casimero’s next defense in PH?

IBF junior flyweight champion Johnriel Casimero is back in the country after a successful title defense in Panama last Sunday against Luis Alberto Rios.
Casimero was greeted by his stable mates and trainers from the Omega Boxing Gym, the staff of International Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (IPI) and members of the media during yesterday’s press conference at the Parkmall in Mandaue City.
Together with Promoter Sammy Gello-ani, Casimero bared his wish to defend his title here in the Philippines.
“I want to defend my belt here, even if I earn more fighting abroad,” Casimero said. “Mas kundisyun ko mu-away ug na-a diri sa ato-a.”
Gello-ani said that Casimero has nine months before he is obligated to face another mandatory challenger. He can fight an opponent of his choice within the top fifteen of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) rankings in his next defense, which Gello-ani plans to stage in June or July.
“We hope to stage a fight here in the Philippines in June or July,” Gello-ani said. “His mandatory defense is due in December. We hope to find enough sponsors and a television partner so Johnriel can defend here.”
Casimero’s first title defense was held in Mexico last year where he won a split decision against Pedro Guevara.
JABBING AND MOVING
Casimero and Trainer Christopher ‘PingPing’ Tepora also talked about the Rios fight.
“Our plan was to be aggressive and try to get inside,” Tepora said, ‘but after the first two rounds, I noticed Johnriel’s jab was working and he kept missing with his power punches so I told him to stick with his jab.”
“I had trouble with his long reach,’’ Casimero added, “I noticed that if I force my way inside, I would get tagged by his counter hooks and uppercuts. I was able to score by jabbing and moving.”
“Casimero’s experience and skill made him retain the title,” Gello-ani said. “He did not force the issue and executed their game plan very well. This is how a champion defends his title. He used his head and adjusted. If he stood toe and toe, he would not have been able to retain his title.”
Casimero also looks forward to a long reign. “ I feel I can take on any challenger, I don’t see any threat out there.”
The 23 year-old Casimero (18W-2L, 10 KOs) trained for three months for the fight. He attributed his success to sacrifice, hard training and determination. He thanked his trainers, promoter Sammy Gello-ani and the staff of IPI and the Omega Gym for their continuing support.