Johnriel Casimero targets ‘Chocolatito’ and Estrada

Jul

Photo courtesy of TV5

At the IBF convention in Beijing, China, in late May, Johnriel Casimero unseated well-respected IBF flyweight titlist Amnat Ruenroeng, stopping the seasoned champion in four rounds.

The Filipino was behind on all three judges’ scorecards before dropping Amnat twice, getting the stoppage at 2:10 of the round.

Understandably, Casimero, who upped his record to 22-3 (14 knockouts), was pleased with the win and has his eyes on even bigger names in the talented flyweight division.

“I feel on top of the world,” Casimero told RingTV.com. “It feels fantastic. I am happy to have had this chance again to become champion.

“I knew I had the power to knock (Ruenroeng) out. I feel I am ready for the best fighters at 112 pounds. I want (WBA/WBO titleholder) Juan Francisco Estrada or (RING/WBC champion) Roman Gonzalez next.”

Casimero and Ruenroeng fought slightly over a year ago in Bangkok, Thailand. On that occasion, Ruenroeng won a close decision in a foul-filled affair.

“I just could not get into my fight, the first fight in Thailand,” he said, “because the referee (Larry Doggett) was horrible and let Amnat foul me all night and the fight was like a WWE match.”

Since then, the 26-year-old Cebu resident had been linked with an eliminator against McWilliams Arroyo. The Puerto Rican elected to instead face Gonzalez for the RING and WBC belts in April, clearing the way for Casimero.

Casimero’s agent Sean Gibbons has been with him for several years and was in his corner the night he won the IBF interim 108-pound title, which was later upgraded to full championship status, when he stopped Luis Lazarte in front of the Argentine’s supporters and a riot broke out. This win was met by a far more peaceful aftermath.

Gibbons now wants his charge to come to America next and face one of the big guns.

However, it appears that Casimero is headed toward a fight in England in September; no name has been mentioned. The only Brit ranked by the IBF is Kevin Satchell at No. 13.

“First I want to thank God for giving us everything that we need to be strong in this life,” said Gibbons, who also manages Orlando Salido, works closely with WBO super middleweight titlist Gilberto Ramirez and is Zanfer Promotions’ matchmaker. “We were the mandatory challenger, so there is no rematch; thank goodness (laughs). I think Casimero showed he is one of the top 112-pounders in the world. Our goal is to fight the best, so yes, we want Juan Estrada next or Roman Gonzalez.”

Casimero’s win has shaken up the flyweight division in a positive way. The Filipino’s style is far more fan-friendly than Ruenroeng’s and makes an excellent argument for putting together the aforementioned unification matches.

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