Casimero wins in Panama
AFTER a banner 2012 campaign, more honors are in store for Filipino boxer Johnriel Casimero this year.
Casimero wrested the IBF light flyweight interim title from Argentine Luis Lazarte in Buenos Aires and then defended the crown by split decision against Mexican Pedro Guevarra in Sinaloa last year.
For his twin victories, Casimero was conferred major awards by the Philippine Sportswriters Association during its Awards Night last Saturday and the Sportswriters Association of Cebu the next day.
The 23-year-old Casimero will also be honored during the 13th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Memorial Awards on March 25.
Highly motivated, Casimero again kept his crown when he trounced Panamanian Luis Alberto Rios in Panama City by unanimous decision late Saturday.
Two judges scored it 119-109 while the third had it 118-108 for Casimero.
Among those who will be honored alongside Casimero are WBO super bantamweight titlist Nonito Donaire Jr., WBO and WBA flyweight champion Brian Viloria, WBO light flyweight king Donnie Nietes and WBC flyweight champ Sonny Boy Jaro.
