Casimero receives belt, to defend title in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - A month after winning the IBF light flyweight title, Johnriel “Quadro Alas” Casimero of Cebu’s Omega Boxing Gym finally received his world championship belt and it came along with a news that was absolutely music to his ears - he is set to defend his crown here in Cebu.

International matchmaker/agent Sampson Lewkowicz formally announced yesterday that Casimero (16-2, 10 KOs) will put his IBF throne on the line for the first time against Mexican hard-puncher Sammy “Guty” Gutierrez (31-7-2, 21 KOs) on May 13 at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

“He will definitely defend his title here in Cebu, the most beautiful island of the Philippines. I always love to be here because I consider Cebu as my second home,” said Lewkowicz during a press conference at The Event Centre of SM City-Cebu. “He’s going to face Sammy Gutierrez, who is one of the best Mexican warriors.”

Lewkowicz said the match will be staged on a Sunday morning as it will be broadcast live all over the world.

“It will be shown live worldwide. It’s the right time to make this happen because millions of people around the world want to see Casimero fight again [after what had happened in Argentina],” said Lewkowicz, who personally hand-carried the sparkling, golden belt to Cebu following a 20-hour flight from the United States.

“It is my pleasure to bring this belt with utmost honor to a well-deserved champion,” said Lewkowicz, who considers Casimero as the country’s next Manny Pacquiao.

For Casimero, his reign as a world champion is already complete now that he has the belt. With the help of Lewkowicz, he proudly strapped it around his waist during the simple ceremony witnessed by Cebu City Mayor Michael L. Rama, WBO Vice President for Asia-Paicifc Leon Panoncillo and International Pharmaceuticals, Inc. CEO Pio Castillo, Jr.

“I won the fight already, but having this belt is more meaningful to me. I’m very happy now that I finally have it because it makes me feel complete as a world champion,” said an ecstatic Casimero.

The 22-year-old Casimero clinched the IBF 108-pound crown after stopping Argentinian hometown idol Luis Alberto “El Mosquito” Lazarte early in the 10th round last February 10 at the Club Once Unidos in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires.

However, the awarding of the championship belt did not take place as even before referee Eddie Claudio of New York could formally announce the winner, a swarm of hostile Argentine fans stormed into the ring and attacked Casimero and his team.

Chairs, bottles, punches and other hard objects were flying all over the arena at the height of the melee.

Fortunately, Casimero, his business manager Sammy ‘Don King’ Gello-ani and trainer Christopher ‘Pingping’ Tepora came home safe and sound.

“This is perhaps the most prestigious belt Casimero has ever had in his life because it has a story behind it,” said Gello-ani, president of SGG Sports Promotions who helps chart the career of Casimero. (FREEMAN)