Casimero faces veteran Lazarte in IBF title fight

Thursday, February 9, 2012

AGE should be an advantage for Johnreil Casimero, who is just as old as veteran former world champion Luis Alberto Lazarte’s eldest offspring.

However, the 22-year-old Filipino isn’t counting on that aspect this Sunday because he believes that Lazarte, who is older by 18 years, is still dangerous despite being at the twilight of his career.

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“It is an advantage for me but I will not be banking on that since he was a former world champion and he has a lot of experience in the world championship,” Casimero said during the press conference yesterday for his world title clash with Lazarte in, Argentina for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight belt.

Excerpts of the press conference were forwarded to Sun.Star Cebu by Casimero’s manager Sammy Gello-ani.

Lazarte, who is turning 41 years next month, is a grizzled veteran who has fought in nine world title fights. In spite of his age, he is still one of the best 108-pound fighters in the world and is currently No.1 in the IBF, No.22 in the World Boxing Council.

“I will not be overconfident on this fight. I will gauge him how he works in the early rounds and do what will be the best option. If I can find an opening in the early rounds I will do everything to finish the fight,” said Casimero, a former interim World Boxing Organization light flyweight champion.