Casimero loses to Thai champ in foul-filled match
Johnreil Casimero failed to capture the IBF flyweight title, losing to against Thai champ Amnat Ruenroeng via unanimous decision in a controversial foul-filled fight Saturday at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok.
Amnat reportedly sent Casimero to the canvas with a variety of takedowns, headlocks, body shots and intentional grabbing even as American referee Larry Doggett let the Thai get away with the violations.
In a report by philboxing.com, Casimero’s trainer Jhun Agrabio expressed his dismay on the turnout of the match and the seeming incompetence of the American referee.
“We knew what Amnat would do, but we’re disappointed that referee Doggett, who told us in the dressing room that he wouldn’t tolerate excessive holding or other illegal tactics, failed to keep his word,” he said.
An aggressive Ruenrong floored Casimero in the second round, but was credited with a knockdown again in the seventh when he shoved Casimero to the ropes. Despite committing violations all night, he finally lost a point for fouling in the eleventh but it was too late for Casimero at that point.
Amnat kept his IBF title and his immaculate 16-0 (5 KOs) record, while Casimero fell to 21-3 (12 KOs).
Casimero hurt his knee and neck after continuous takedowns by Amnat in the ugly fight, but according to the same report was told by international promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, “You didn’t lose in a boxing fight today.”
