Casimero vows to defend IBF jr. fly crown

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino Johnriel Casimero promised to emerge victorious and keep his IBF junior flyweight championship after he takes on mandatory challenger Luis Alberto “Pan Blanco” Rios this Sunday at the Megapolis Convention Center of the Hard Rock Hotel Panama City, Panama.

Speaking at the final news conference for their title fight, Casimero acknowledged the danger posed by Rios but still vowed to win.

"I feel much respect for Rios, but I came to Panama to win. I will retain my title," the youthful Casimero (17-2, with 10 KOs) said in a Philboxing.com report by Carlos Costa.

Casimero, 23, won the interim version of the title by knocking out Luis Alberto Lazarte in the tenth round of their  fight in February last year in Argentina, which was marred by a riot started by angry fans who attacked and threw chairs at Casimero and his team.

The Ormoc City-born fighter now based in Cebu City became the regular champion after outpointing Pedro Guevara in Mexico last August.

Hometown bet Rios, for his part, can’t wait to get his hands on Casimero’s trinket.

"I have worked so hard to become the boxing world champion number 30 born in Panama," said the 23-year-old Rios, who sports a record of 18-1-1, with 13 KOs.

Meanwhile, Filipino John Mark “Iceman” Apolinario gets a shot at the WBA interim bantamweight title against Panama’s Roberto “La Araña” Vasquez in the co-main event.