Casimero to defend title on enemy soil again

ROAD warrior Johnriel Casimero will once again defend his International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight crown on enemy soil as he faces mandatory challenger and local bet Luis Alberto Rios today at the Megapolis Convention Center in Panama City, Panama.

This is the 23-year-old Cebu-based boxer’s second title defense after winning the belt against grizzled veteran Luis Alberto Lazarte in riot-marred fight in Argentina.

His first title defense, also last year, was also in foreign soil, Mexico, where he edged out Mexican challenger Pedro Guevara by split decision.

After escaping a razor-thin verdict against Guevara, Casimero won’t take his chances against Rios, a young and hungry up-and-comer from Panama City, and is looking to end the fight by knockout.

Casimero has fought all of his world title fights in foreign territory, and won three out of five.

Casimero is on a three-fight winning streak and has beaten the likes of Cesar Canchilia, Lazarte, Guevara and Ardin Diale.

The 23-year-old Rios has won seven in a row and hasn't tasted defeat since his only loss in 2010.

Meanwhile, John Mark Apolinario takes on former world champion Roberto Vasquez in a rematch for the interim World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight belt in co-main event.