JOHN Riel Casimero shows his IBF belt as he faces the media yesterday. GRIG C.MONTEGRANDE
HIS CONFIDENCE buoyed by his successful title defense on foreign soil, John Riel Casimero now wants to take on the big guns in the super flyweight division.
Returning home from London, where he stopped Britain’s erstwhile unbeaten Charlie Edwards in the 10th round on Saturday, Casimero said he intends to have two more fights as a flyweight before moving up to challenge WBC super flyweight champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez.
Apart from tangling with Gonzalez, the 26-year-old Casimero told yesterday’s press conference at Victory Mall in Caloocan he wants to meet President Duterte, whom he idolizes for his “courage” and “leadership.”
Recalling his bout against Edwards in London’s O2 Arena, Casimero said he gave it all during training and patiently waited for the right moment to strike on fight night.
He said the British crowd of about 18,000 booed him during the fight but embraced him after his masterful win.
“Bumaligtad silang lahat; naging balimbing sila (They shifted support),” he said.
Casimero snatched the IBF flyweight title from Thailand’s Amnmat Ruenroeng via fourth-round knockout only last May.
Promoter Sammy Gello-ani said Casimero will take a two-week break before his team, including trainer Jhun Agrabio, chooses a foe for his next title defense in November.