Johnriel Casimero KOs Cesar Ramirez, arranges title clash with Zolani Tete

Photo by Alvin S. Go

MANILA, Philippines—Johnriel Casimero knocked out Cesar Ramirez in the 10th round to retain his WBO interim bantamweight title Saturday night at San Andres Gym in Malate, Manila.

Casimero landed a crushing right hook to the face that finally put the tough-as-nails Ramirez to sleep.

The victory also set Casimero up as a mandatory challenger for a showdown with South African southpaw Zolani Tete, who is the regular WBO champion later this year.

“He (Ramirez) is very tough and has a big heart,” said trainer Nonoy Neri.

Ramirez took his first loss after heading into the bout with a six-fight streak but he made sure not to go down quietly into the night.

Casimero celebrates after KO victory. pic.twitter.com/CwqlbYlHOT

— Mark Giongco (@MarkGiongcoINQ) August 24, 2019

He had his moments where he got Casimero, who looked winded midway through the fight, in deep trouble as kept charging like a bull.

The 29-year-old Casimero, whose record improved to 28-4 with 19 knockouts, scored a total of four knockdowns, one of which that came in the fifth was questionable.

In the supporting bout, Vincent Astrolabio stopped Kevin Aseniero in the fifth round to keep his WBO Oriental bantamweight crown.

Astrolabio opened a huge cut over the right eye of Aseniero that forced the referee to stop the bout.