THREE-DIVISION world champion Johnriel Casimero outclassed Fillipus Nghitumbwa by a unanimous decision to win the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Global super bantamweight belt Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the Okada Manila Hotel and Casino in Parñaque City.
Nghitumbwa started out strong with his aggressive pace, landing some solid punches on Casimero.
Casimero came alive and landed a solid right hook that rocked Nghitumbwa in the third round. He followed it up with an overhand right that backed Nghitumbwa in the fifth round.
The 34-year-old Casimero dropped Nghitumbwa with a left hook in the sixth round.
Nghitumbwa was deducted a point in the 12th round with a punch to the back of the head that proved crucial in the scorecards.
Casimero got the nod of all three judges with scores of 116-110, 116-110 and 114-112.
In the undercard, Weljon Mindoro (10-0-1, 10 KOs) fought WBO Asia-Pacific super welterweight champion Takeshi Inoue (19-2-2, 11 KOs) to a split draw, former world title challenger Vince Paras (19-2-1, 15 KOs) beat Ayumu Wanada (10-2-1, 8 KOs) by unanimous decision, Carlo Demciloo (16-7-1, 9 KOs) lost to undefeated Jun ikegawa (5-0-2, 1 KO) by split decision, one-time world title challenger Giemel Magrao (28-3, 23 KOs) knocked down Phissanu Chimsunthom (47-12-2, 16 KOs) twice and stopped him in the sixth round, Arnel Baconaje (16-11, 7 KOs) won the vacant Philippine Games and Amusements Board super featherweight belt with a convincing unanimous decision over experienced Jhon Gemino (23-17-1, 13 KOs) and John Vincent Pangga (9-1, 6 KOs) stopped Jonathan Francisco (11-20-9, 5 KOs). (EKA)