Casimero still rocking

Don’t give up on former three-division world boxing champion John Riel Casimero. He’s now 37 and still hoping for a big-money bout against undisputed WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO superbantamweight titlist Naoya Inoue. It’s been six years since Casimero first called out Inoue, accusing the Monster of being scared and describing the Japanese hero a turtle. But Inoue has never looked Casimero’s way.

Last Saturday, Casimero’s brash behavior was on full display as he repeatedly crossed his neck with a gloved fist and taunted former two-division world ruler Luis Nery in scoring a fourth round knockout in Nagoya. Casimero showcased his raw power by sending Nery to the canvas thrice in the first round, once in the second, once more in the third and finally, one last trip in the fourth. That’s a total of six knockdowns in four rounds against a fearsome Mexican nicknamed “Pantera” with a record of 37-3, including 28 KOs.

Nery, 33, scaled 3 1/2 pounds over the catchweight limit of 124 and couldn’t weigh more than 134 the morning of the bout. Nery reportedly gave up $500 of his purse to Casimero for failing to make weight. When the bell rang, Nery appeared sluggish, slow and bloated. Former two-division world champion Gerry Peñalosa, watching at ringside, said Nery was “made to order” for Casimero.

During the match, Casimero mocked Nery, stuck out his chin and left himself unguarded with both hands down his side. Nery just couldn’t unravel. Casimero threw bombs from all angles and left Nery discombobulated. After the demolition, Casimero again dared Inoue to face him then said he’ll settle for former WBA/IBF superbantamweight champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev of Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, David Picasso, who lost a decision to Inoue last December, stepped up to challenge Casimero and vowed to teach him a lesson for disrespecting Nery, a Mexican countryman.

In his 19-year career, Casimero has gone through ups and downs. He won his three world titles on hostile soil and has racked up victories in Nicaragua, Argentina, Mexico, Panama, China, England, US, South Korea and Japan. His US visa was reportedly revoked over a dispute with promoters and a fight in Liverpool was cancelled after a rule violation. He was slapped a one-year suspension in Japan over a weight issue for a match and has feuded with bashers. Despite his downside, Casimero remains an attraction. He draws crowds and is extremely active in engaging fans on social media. “Casimero has guts, matapang at may lakas,” said Peñalosa. Although there is little science in what he does in the ring, Casimero somehow gets the job done as he did against Nery. His record of 36-5-1 with 25 KOs is stellar and if Inoue agrees to a fight, he won’t back down from turning it into a brawl.