MANILA, Philippines — WBO bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero landed in Las Vegas last Sunday after training for a month with Mexican strength/conditioning coach Memo Heredia and Cuban guru Pedro Roque in Miami to prepare for super WBA/IBF titleholder Naoya Inoue in their 12-round triple unification showdown at the Mandalay Resort and Casino originally set April 25.
But the much-awaited fight has been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak. Last Saturday, Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Bob Bennett revoked all permits for combat sports up to March 25 and will reassess the situation when the deadline expires. MGM Resorts suspended casino operations starting last Monday and hotel operations starting yesterday. Top Rank decided to cancel its shows for March and April, including the Inoue-Casimero bout.
Casimero’s trainer Nonoy Neri arrived in Miami last week and made the trip to Las Vegas with the fighter. Heredia was set to join the group yesterday. MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons said Casimero will remain in Las Vegas until a decision is made on a new date. “We’re hoping for the best,” said Gibbons who is scheduled to leave Manila for Las Vegas today.
Casimero said he’s not fazed by Inoue’s reputation as “The Monster.” “I’m waiting for Inoue,” he said. “I’ll prove who the real monster is when we fight.” Casimero laughed off odds and the hype over Inoue in declaring himself ready to shock the world. The early betting line installed Inoue a heavy favorite with a $500 wager earning $100. It’s the reverse for Casimero as a $100 wager will pay out $400. Top Rank recently released a poster announcing the fight with only Inoue’s picture and Casimero said he’s not bothered by the snub.
Heredia, who prepared Juan Manuel Marquez for his sixth round knockout over Manny Pacquiao in 2012, said Casimero will be stronger than in his last fight against Zolani Tete. “We worked aggressive, physical conditioning, training, power and endurance so Casimero is ready for the whole 12 rounds,” Heredia said. “For Tete, we had a successful camp where Casimero was put through different conditioning drills and exercises. He adapted well and showed to the world who he was by knocking out Tete in the third round.”
Heredia said for Inoue, Casimero is working through a variety of different drills specifically to increase punching power while maintaining his speed and endurance. “We stepped up in intensity,” he said. “Casimero is going through a harder and more advanced training program, considering he adjusted well in our last camp and therefore, advancing to a higher level of conditioning and training with more demanding drills and exercises, all with a specific purpose. I’m extremely happy with Casimero’s daily training, discipline and all the support I’ve received from Sean to make sure we have everything we need.”
Inoue said he has recovered completely from the fractured orbital bone, broken nose and severe laceration over his right eye in a tough fight against Nonito Donaire Jr. last November. “I’m hoping to beat (Casimero) in a way that excites the American audience with lightweight class, speed and tactics,” he said. “Considering how things are flowing, a knockout finish is what I’ll be aiming for.” Top Rank CEO Bob Arum described Inoue as “a generational talent, a fierce competitor” and predicted a “firefight” when the unbeaten Japanese faces the heavy-handed Filipino.