Casimero in IBF eliminator today

CEBU, Philippines - Former International Boxing Federation lighty flyweight champion Johnriel ‘Quadro Alas’ Casimero (20-2, 12KOs) will have his baptism of fire as a flyweight against Mexican Armando ‘Cobra’ Santos (14-3, 8KOs) in an IBF flyweight title eliminator today at the Salon Las Palmas in Monterrey, Mexico.

The winner of the Casimero-Santos showdown will earn a mandatory shot at the IBF 112-pound crown currently held by the undefeated Thai Amnat Ruenroeng.

“I really want to be a world champion again,” said Casimero, who easily made the 112 lbs. limit during the official weigh-in yesterday. “I transferred my training camp in Manila (from Omega Boxing Gym) and I think I am more ready now compared to my previous fights.”

 The 25-year-old Casimero said he has already moved on after losing his IBF belt even before he can climb on the ring last May 2 at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino. Casimero was stripped of the crown after failing to make the regulary weight limit of 108 lbs. Nevertheless, it was still a bright moment for the Ormoc City-native fighter as he needed just one round to finish off Colombian Mauricio Fuentes.

"I feel stronger in this weight," assured Casimero. "I can't promise a knockout but I will do everything to get an impressive win." (FREEMAN)