Casimero now in England for his title defense vs Paul Butler

Filipino boxer John Riel Casimero in United Kingdom. JOHN RIEL CASIMERO FACEBOOK

MANILA, Philippines — John Riel Casimero has arrived in England ahead of his World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight title defense against English boxer Paul Butler.

The 32-year-old champion shared on his Facebook that he is already in the United Kingdom, bracing for his April 22 fight at M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.

“Welcome back United Kingdom. Casimero vs Butler bakbakan na (let the fight begin)!” he captioned in his pictures outside the arena of their fight.

The two were supposed to face off last December but the Filipino boxer pulled out of the bout after being unable to make weight due to gastritis.

Casimero, 31-4 with 21 knockouts, has won his last seven fights including his triumph over Guillermo Rigondeaux via split decision to retain his bantamweight title last August in California.

Interestingly, Butler, 33-2 with 15 knockouts, also won his seven previous fights. He last saw action June 25 last year, beating Willibaldo Garcia via split decision for the vacant WBO International bantamweight title in his hometown.