Casimero continues training despite pullout of Araneta as sponsor

IBF light flyweight Johnriel Casimero continues to train at the Omega Gym despite receiving reports that Smart-Araneta has pulled out of its partnership with ABC 5 to promote Casimero’s defense at the Araneta Coliseum.

Casimero (18W-2L, 10 KOs) and trainer Pingping Tepora spoke told Cebu Daily News yesterday afternoon that they are aware of the article posted yesterday on philboxing.com that the so called Big Dome will no longer host Casimero’s title defense supposed to be held on July 21.

Tepora said that they will continue to train and that his main goal right now is to get Casimero into fighting shape. Casimero likewise said that he will continue to train and will defend his title either here or abroad on the scheduled date.

Tepora said that they are awaiting word from Promoter Sammy Gello-ani who is still in Mexico as to where they will defend the world title.

He also stated that the Omega gym management will also look for other venues and is even considering Cebu as the alternative site for Casimero’s defense.

Casimero was initially penned to face Mauricio Fuentes of Colombia but reports have also mentioned Juanito Hernandez of Mexico. Tepora said that he will bring Casimero to the ALA Gym to look for quality sparring partners. /correspondent Rene Bonsubre jr.