Casimero risks title vs. Mexican tonight

CEBU, Philippines - Reigning IBF light flyweight champion Johnriel "Quadro Alas" Casimero (18-2, 10KOs) is looking to defend his title for the third time against Mexican challenger Felipe Salguero (18-4, 13KOs) in a free-to-the public show tonight at the Makati Coliseum.

This is an important defense of Casimero as he will be putting his throne on the line before his fellow countrymen in a blockbuster card promoted by MP Promotions of ring superstar Manny Pacquiao.

 The Ormoc City-native Casimero retained his crown twice already but on foreign soil. First was via split decision against Mexican Pedro Guevara in Sinaloa, Mexico last year and then by unanimous verdict over Luis Alberto Rios last March 3 at the Megapolis Convention Center in Panama.

“I will give my kababayans a good fight and I will do my best to defend the belt,” said Casimero who will also dedicated his fight for the victims of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Visayas last week.

“This fight is for the victims of the earthquake. I hope I can give them happiness after I knocked out my challenger.”

The 22-year-old Casimero is one of the remaining world title-holders of the Philippines. His masterful 10th round TKO of Argentine Luis Alberto Lazarte in their riot-marred bout on February 13, 2012 at the Club Once Unidos in Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina earned him the IBF 108-pound belt.

In the supporting main event, Filipino featherweight title contender Michael Farenas will face Kusol Sor Vorapin of Thailand, while undefeated flyweight Froilan Saludar will slug it out against Tawanrong Eusamphan. (FREEMAN)