Casimero TKOs Mexican, keeps title

JOHNRIEL Casimero stopped Felipe Salguero in the 11th round Saturday night to retain his IBF junior flyweight title at Makati Coliseum.

Showing no ill effects of having to shed 1.5 pounds in an hour to make the 108 lb limit in Friday’s weigh-in, Casimero sent the Mexican down on both knees with a flurry of punches, capped by a left hook and a right straight in the 11th, prompting referee Wayne Hedegepeth to cut short the 12-round bout at the 1:34 mark.

The 23-year-old Casimero of Ormoc City boosted his record to 19 wins, including 11 knockouts, and two losses.

Salguero, who lost the World Boxing Organization light flyweight title to Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, dropped to 18-5 with three KOs.

It was Casimero’s third title defense, but his first at home. His first defense was against Pedro Guevara in Sinaloa, Mexico, last year. Casimero then went to Panama where he defended his belt against Luis Alberto Rios.

Earlier, Mark Anthony Geraldo (29-4-3, 13 KOs) knocked out Thai Ithanon Sitchamuang (19-6-0, 10 KOs) in the second round to keep his WBO Asia-Pacific Youth super fly title.

In other bouts, Michael Fareñas (36-4-4, 28 KOs) stopped Thai Kosol Sor Vorapin (17-17-1, 11 KOs) in the second round and Froilan Saludar (18-0-1, 11 KOs) prevailed by unanimous decision over Sorthep Sor Von Krungthep.

Manny Pacquiao’s nephew, Joneil Pacquiao Dapidran, made his professional debut with a unanimous decision over Junie Villacrusis.

Among those who watched the free fight card presented by Pacquiao’s MP Promotions in cooperation with international promoter Sammy Gello-Ani and GMA was Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum.