Casimero vies for interim IBF belt today

CEBU, Philippines - Ormoc City's pride Johnriel "Quadro Alas" Casimero (15-2, 9KOs) hopes to make one big leap in his bid to reclaim his throne as he battles Argentinian Luis Alberto Lazarte (49-10-2, 18KOs) for the interim IBF light flyweight title today at the Club Once Unidos in Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Casimero, who will turn 22 years on Monday, once held the interim WBO 108-pound crown after he scored an 11th round TKO of Cesar Canchila on December 19, 2009 at the Estadio Nacional in Managua, Nicaragua.

However, Casimero lost in his first defense by split decision to Ramon Garcia Hirales on July 24, 2010 at the Polideportivo Centenario in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Casimero, managed by international promoter and SGG Sports Promotions CEO Sammy "Don King" Gello-ani, attempted to snatch the IBF flyweight belt but was stopped in the fifth round by South African champion Moruti Mthalane on March 26 last year at the Nasrec Indoor Arena in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Following that setback, Casimero showed he's on a blazing comeback trail by pulling off a second round TKO victory over Roemart Sentillas on October 15, 2011 at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City.

The 40-year-old Lazarte, on the other hand, prevailed over Nerys Espinoza by unanimous decision in an IBF title eliminator five months ago in his hometown.

Lazarte once fought for the regular IBF light flyweight title but lost by split verdict to Mexican champion Ulises Solis on April 30 last year. (FREEMAN)