Casimero arrives in Cebu today

INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight champion Johnriel Casimero returns to Cebu City today after a triumphant title defense in Mexico last Sunday.

Casimero along with his corner—Filipino promoter Sammy Gello-ani, coach Christopher “Ping-Ping” Tepura and Paulo Castillo—are scheduled to arrive at the Mactan Cebu International Airport at 10:30 a.m. He will be in a motorcade from the airport to the Omega Boxing Gym, the place where he spent countless hours training.

The 22-year-old Cebu City-based boxer successfully defended his IBF light flyweight title last Sunday at the Centro de Convenciones in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico against hometown hero Pedro Guevara. Casimero walked away with the crown after a well-deserved split decision win over erstwhile unbeaten Guevara.

Casimero proved that he has the courage and the heart to win despite fighting in enemy territory, which he has been doing in his high-profile fights. He has fought for world titles in Argentina, South Africa and Nicaragua.

Casimero’s last fight was in Argentina, against the country’s boxing icon Luis Alberto Lazarte. He won by a 10th round technical knockout. But he and his team were attacked by Argentinean hooligans that were angered because of the demise of their fallen compatriot.