Casimero to pick foe for title defense

MANILA, Philippines - Johnriel Casimero will weigh all his options before he decides whom to face in November for the second defense of his IBF light-flyweight crown.

His manager, Sammy Gello-ani, said in yesterday’s press conference hosted by AKTV they are looking at a long list of fighters to choose from.

Gello-ani, the amiable boxing promoter from Cebu, said right after Casimero beat Pedro Guevara in Mexico last week, they started looking at things.

“We have discussed it initially and we’re thinking of Nov. 17,” said Gello-ani.

“But we have not chosen anybody. There are seven Mexicans among the top 15 in the IBF rankings but at No. 1 is the boxer from Panama,” he said.

Then there’s one from Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.

“The decision will come after we weigh things,” said Gello-ani, adding that if they could have their way they’d hold the title defense in the Philippines.

“It will depend if there’s a television network here that can back up the promotion. It will be difficult without a solid network to back you up,” he added.

Casimero said he will make sure he’s ready for his next fight. He looked back at the fight against Guevara, whom he floored in the opening round.

“If he didn’t run the rest of the way the fight wouldn’t have lasted,” he said.

Casimero is used to fighting overseas, and is not afraid to fight behind the enemy line. Last February, he went to Argentina to face local boy Luiz Lazarte.

He stopped the Argentine in the round but as he was about to celebrate, disgruntled Lazarte fans started throwing debris, including chairs, inside the ring.

A couple of fans sneaked their way into the ring and tried to attack Casimero and Gello-ani. They were safely escorted out of the venue by the local police.

Casimero said he’s ready to face anyone, and Gello-ani said they’d go back to Argentina if needed, as long as the fight is not held at Mar Del Plata, the venue of the chaotic fight.

“We can fight in Buenos Aires, but not in Mar Del Plata,” said Gello-ani, adding that he’d make sure Casimero’s next defense will be hassle-free.

After the victory over Lazarte, which made him the interim champion, the young Filipino champion waited six months for his next fight.

It was only three weeks ago when the IBF declared him as the champion after Ulises Solis was stripped of the crown after failing to defend his title due to an injury sustained in a street fight.