John Riel Casimero. FILE PHOTO FROM AFP
MANILA, Philippines—John Riel Casimero will face Fillipus Nghitumbwa of Namibia for the WBO global super bantamweight title on May 13 at Okada Manila Hotel and Casino in Parañaque City.
The fight marks Casimero’s first on Philippine soil since 2019 when he stopped Japan’s Kenya Yamashita in the sixth round of their bantamweight bout.
The 34-year-old Casimero is coming off a second round knockout of Ryo Akaho last December in Incheon, South Korea.
Casimero, a three-division champion, holds a record of 32-4, 22KOs and is 8-0 after a unanimous decision loss to compatriot Jonas Sultan back in September 2017.
But things have not been looking up for Casimero the past couple of years that saw him get stripped of the WBO bantamweight title.
Casimero is also making his debut under Treasure Boxing Promotion, which recently signed the hard-hitting Filipino to a contract last month.
On a comeback trail toward a world title shot, Casimero is expected to put on a show before a hometown crowd against Nghitumbwa.
The 27-year-old Nghitumbwa (12-1, 11KOs), who has not fought outside of his country, has won 11 straight since losing in his pro debut six years ago.
Meanwhile, another Filipino super bantamweight in Carl Jammes Martin is scheduled to fight on the same card. Martin (21-0, 17KOs) is rated No. 5 by the IBF and No. 8 by the WBO.