Gello-ani hoping for Casimero’s next defense to be held in Phl

Cebu, Philippines - Highly esteemed Cebuano promoter Sammy "Don King" Gello-ani yesterday said he will work things out for IBF light flyweight champion Johnriel ‘Quadro Alas’ Casimero to defend his title next here in the Philippines.

Since seizing the IBF belt with a spectacular 10th round knockout of Luis Alberto Lazarte in their riot-marred fight on February 13 last year in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the 22-year-old Casimero had to travel abroad to defend his throne, the most recent was in Panama.

The pride of Ormoc City retained his title for the first time with a split decision victory over the previously unbeaten Mexican Pedro Guevara seven months ago in Mexico City.

Just last Sunday, Casimero again kept his belt far from home with a lopsided unanimous decision victory over Panamanian challenger Luis Alberto 'Pan Blanco' Rios at the Megapolis Convention Center in Panama.

Gello-ani felt that it's now high time for Casimero to make his title defense before his countrymen either in June or July against a Latino fighter.

“That’s one of our main goals and definitely yes, we will pursue and try our best to stage his (Casimero) next title defense here in the Philippines,” said Gello-ani in a press conference yesterday at Parkmall. “We are looking on staging his next fight in June or July against a Latino fighter.”

“I believed Casimero deserved it. He proved his skills after he captured and defended his title abroad [two times already]. Now, what we want is for him to show what he is really made of in front of his countrymen,” he added.

The top honcho of SGG Sports Promotions said he will soon be negotiating with the different TV stations to see who is willing to back him up in putting up Casimero’s defense right in his homeland.

“Hopefully after Casimero’s success, TV stations will now be interested in helping me stage the fight here,” Gello-ani said.

Casimero, for his part, has no problem in fighting overseas, but said that it will be a very big thing for him to defend his title in front of his family and fans for the first time.

“I am ready to fight anywhere, but fighting in front of my family and fans means a lot to me. It is something that I would like to cherish,” he said. (FREEMAN)