Casimero eyes KO

WITH just days away from fight night, International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight champion Johnriel Casimero and John Mark Apolinario not only want to bring home both titles back to the Philippines but also want to finish their fights in emphatic fashion.

Both the young Filipino boxers want to shock Panamanian boxing fans by knocking out both hometown bets.

“Yes he (Casimero) promised a knockout once there is an opening,” veteran promoter Sammy Gello-ani, who promotes both Casimero and Apolinario, told Sun.Star Cebu.

Casimero defends his IBF title against No. 1 contender Luis Alberto Rios, while Apolinario faces off with former world champion Roberto Vasquez for the interim World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight belt in a rematch at the Megapolis Convention Center in Panama City, Panama.

“The fight is nearing and it is nice to see the two fighters Casimero and Apolinario gradually getting nearer to their weight limit. Both are in happy mood and excited to the coming title fight,” said Gello-ani. “Apolinario promised during the press conference today that he will duplicate his effort to get the title this time.

He confirms that fighting Vasquez is not anymore a scare for him since he had known the style of Roberto Vasquez when he fought him in Argentina. He knows how far Vasquez can do and the power of his punches. If he has the opening and chance in the later rounds he will do everything to win by KO.”

The 23-year-old Apolinario fought Vasquez to a majority draw in their first encounter for the same title last Nov. 3 in Argentina. Apolinario is 17-2-2 with four knockouts, while the 29-year-old Vasquez is 32-5-1 with 22 knockouts.

Apolinario hopes to become the sixth current world champion from the Philippines along with Casimero, World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight king Nonito Donaire Jr., WBO and WBA flyweight titleholder Brian Viloria, WBO light flyweight titlist Donnie Nietes and recently crowned interim WBO mini-flyweight champion Merlito Sabillo.

Casimero, 17-2 with 10 konckouts, is having his second title defense against Rios, 18-1-1 with13 kncokouts. He hopes to win his third straight fight in hostile soil.

“Casimero likewise stated that he is ready for his defense against Rios. He has prepared well for this coming defense on March 16 and is very confident that he can still bring belt back to Philippines,” said Gello-ani.