Casimero now a regular IBF champ

CEBU, Philippines - The International Boxing Federation has upgraded Johnriel Casimero's status from interim to regular IBF light flyweight champion due to the inability of Ulises Solis to defend his throne within the prescribed period by the world boxing body.

As contained in the letter sent by IBF Championship Chairman Lindsey E. Tucker, Jr. to Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions, the handler of Solis, the former Mexican titlist had a surgery last May 29 to insert a bone on the left side of his jaw and that he can't exercise at all for three to four months.

"Based on the above information, it is the IBF’s determination that Solis will be unable to defend the IBF Jr. Flyweight Title on or before October 30, 2012. Therefore, effective immediately the IBF declares that Johnriel Casimero the new IBF Jr. Flyweight Champion. The IBF wishes Solis the best of luck and a speedy recovery," stated Tucker.

Solis’ mandatory defense was due on or before January 30, 2012. On December 7, 2011, the IBF granted solis a medical exception after he suffered a broken jaw during a bar brawl with Saul Alvarez.

Under the rules, Solis has up until nine months past his mandatory due date to complete his defense.                

However, Solis can't defend his crown within nine months or by October 30, 2012, thus, the IBF vacated the title and elevated the fighting pride of Ormoc City to IBF light flyweight champion.

The 22-year-old Casimero snatched the interim title with a resounding 10th round TKO of Argentine Luis Alberto Lazerte in a riot-marred fight last February 13 at the Club Once Unidos in Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Even before referee Eddie Claudio of New York could formally declare the winner, a swarm of angry Argentine fans flocked to the ring and attacked Casimero and his team.

The IBF officials and some cooler heads who tried to prevent the situation from getting worse were not spared by the wrath of irate fans. Chairs, bottles, punches and other hard objects were flying all over the arena in boxing's most disgraceful episode in recent memory.  - THE FREEMAN