Johnriel Casimero. —MARK GIONGCO/INQUIRER.NET
MANILA, Philippines— John Riel Casimero has been trying to get under Naoya Inoue’s skin ever since their bantamweight unification bout was announced and scratched last year.
But for a brief moment after watching Inoue’s three-round demolition of Michael Dasmariñas first hand at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, Casimero lauded the Japanese champion for a change.
“It was a great performance by Naoya Inoue,” Casimero told ESPN.
“Michael Dasmarinas fought scared and showed too much respect. But it was great seeing Naoya Inoue live.”
After Inoue took care of business to defend his WBA (Super) and IBF titles, Casimero will have his turn when he stakes his WBO crown against fellow Filipino titleholder Nonito Donaire on Aug. 14 in California.
Casimero was originally set to face Guillermo Rigondeaux before the Cuban agreed to step aside to pave way for the all-Filipino showdown.
The winner between Casimero and Donaire will likely face Inoue next.“As of this moment, my focus is on Donaire,” Casimero said. “I will do everything I can to beat him.
“After that, I will take care of Naoya Inoue.”