Casimero would rather not face fellow Filipino Nietes

JOHN Riel Casimero shows his IBF belt as he
faces themedia yesterday. GRIG C.MONTEGRANDE

Though it may seem as a dream match to some, Johnriel Casimero would rather not face fellow flyweight Donnie “Ahas” Nietes.

“Pareho naman kaming Pinoy eh. Mas marami na galing sa ibang bansa dyan na pwedeng kalabanin kaysa kaming dalawa ang maglaban,” he said.

Casimero, the IBF world flyweight champion, graced the weekly PSA Forum in Shakey’s Malate on Tuesday after his triumphant 10th round technical knockout victory over Charlie Edwards of Great Britain last September
10.

READ: Casimero comfortable at flyweight: ‘I want title to last with me’

With the Ormoc City native slowly making a name for himself in the 112-pound division, Casimero’s camp also believes that it wouldn’t really be beneficial for the country to pit these two contenders against each other.

“We’re looking for more world champions dito sa Pilipinas,” said promoter Sammy Gelo-Ani. “Why let two good Filipino fighters fight for a title? The fight will be good, but as a promoter, I don’t think that will happen.”

“Darating tayo dyan pag wala na akong makalaban,” joked Casimero.

READ: Casimero wants ‘Chocolatito’ next

The two touched gloves only once in a sparring session in Cebu. Though staging that match now would be an expected draw with their world standing, the bigger picture still matters for the promoters.

“At this moment, Nietes is aspiring to be a world champ. Maybe after na lang ng defense ni Casimero and he moves up to super flyweight, or the other way around. Maghahabulan na lang sila,” said Gelo-Ani.

Currently, Nietes is the number five-contender for the IBF title.

READ: Johnriel Casimero, great world title winner

Gelo-Ani, though, said that they won’t stand in the way for a possible duel if Nietes emerges as the top contender for Casimero’s belt.

“If things happen that way, we cannot stop it,” he said.