WORLD Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight king Johnriel Casimero is out to impress in his debut on Showtime PPV by targeting nothing less than a knockout.
“This is my first time on Showtime, so I want to give everyone watching an impressive performance. I’ll go for the knockout,” Casimero said in a final presser Thursday, Sept, 24, 2020, for this weekend’s doubleheader.
The 31-year-old Casimero will defend his belt against former Olymian Duke Micah in one of the main features of the two-part show headlined by the Charlo brothers on Sept. 27 (PH time) at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.
“This is a big opportunity to show the world who I am. I promise I will do my best in this fight. I am extremely ready to give it my all,” said Casimero. “My opponent is a mature boxer with good experience. But I’m going to be too strong for him. I believe I’m the best at 118 pounds.”
Casimero was supposed to face Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue in April but because of the Covid-19 pandemic the fight was postponed and eventually cancelled. Both stars went their separate ways with Casimero defending his belt against Micah and Inoue facing Aussie Jason Moloney on Oct. 31.
Despite coming in as an underdog, the 29-year-old Micah, a native of Accra, Ghana, is confident of his chances against arguably one of the top dogs at bantamweight.
“I’m so grateful for this moment. This is a massive night for me. It all comes down to this and we are coming to win. I have to stick to my game plan. I expect my opponent to box and move. I’ve prepared for a couple attacks that I think he will use. I’ve never been more ready for a fight than I am for this one,” he said. “Casimero is a good boxer, but I’m a different fighter than I’ve been in the past. I’ve improved my game so much working with Andre Rozier. The fans will see it on Saturday night, and they will become instant fans of my electrifying style.”
Casimero is coming off a huge knockout win over South African star Zolani Tete to become the sole titleholder of the WBO bantamweight belt. He was the interim champion before the fight.
Micah, in the meantime, proved that he’s elite with a unanimous decision over former world title challenger Janiel Rivera.
Casimero is 29-4 with 20 knockouts, while Micah is unbeaten with 20-0 along with 19 knockout victories. (EKA)