John Riel Casimero makes ring return vs Japan’s Ryo Akaho in December

FILE–Filipino boxer John Riel Casimero. —photo from PROBELLUM.

MANILA, Philippines—More than a year after his last appearance in the ring, John Riel Casimero is set for his return later this year in a new division.

Casimero is scheduled to fight former title contender Ryo Akaho of Japan in a super bantamweight bout on December 3 in Incheon, South Korea.

As per boxingscene.com. the fight was officially announced on Monday by Treasure Boxing Promotion.

The 33-year-old Casimero hasn’t fought since his split decision win over Guillermo Rigondeaux to retain the WBO bantamweight title in August of last year.

A lot has changed since that had Casimero on a downward spiral.

Casimero (31-4, 21KOs) was supposed to defend his belt against Paul Butler in December 2021 but he was a no-show at the weigh-in, citing gastritis.

The bout was pushed back to Apri 2022 in Liverpool, England but Casimero got himself into trouble after violating strict medical guidelines by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) for using a sauna to cut down weight before a fight.

The WBO stripped Casimero of his 118-pound title in May.

His upcoming fight against Akaho (39-2-2, 26KOs) gives Casimero a golden opportunity to turn over a new leaf.