Casimero to defend IBF title today

CEBU, Philippines - Filipino world boxing champion Johnriel ‘Quadro Alas’ Casimero (17-2, 10KOs) will defend his IBF light flyweight title for the second time in a hostile territory when he takes on Colombian slugger Luis Alberto “Pan Blanco” Rios (18-1, 13KOs) this morning at the Megapolis Convention Center of the Hard Rock Hotel Panama City, Panama.

Casimero, confident as ever, is unfazed fighting at enemy's lair as he got used to it already since winning the IBF belt with a 10th round knockout of Luis Alberto Lazarte in their riot-marred bout on the eve of Valentine's Day last year in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

“Im getting used to this kind of situation. I don’t feel any pressure fighting in my opponent's territory,” said the 22-year-old Casimero. “The crowd seems to be friendly here (Colombia), but I still feel that I need to beat Rios convincingly.”

The pride of Ormoc City successfully defended his throne with a unanimous decision victory over the previously unbeaten Mexican Pedro Guevara  last August in Mexico City.

“I am here to defend my title and all I am thinking right now is to go back there to the Philippines with the belt still in my hand, I will do any means just to win.”

Casimero said he is looking for no less than a knockout win, but was reluctant to predict what round he can finish off Rios.

“I saw his (Rios) fights in tapes. I can say that he is good, but I don’t want a close fight that's why I am aiming for a knockout win,” Casimero said. “I want to give pride to  my country once again with a decision win.”

In the co-main event, Casimero's fellow countrymen John Mark ‘Iceman’ Apolinario (17-2, 4KOs) hopes to steal part of the show as he battles Panama's hometown idol Roberto ‘La Araña’ Vasquez (32-5, 22KOs) for  the interim WBA bantamweight crown. (FREEMAN)