Before fellow Pinoys: Casimero upbeat on title defense

CEBU, Philippines - Reigning IBF light flyweight champion Johnriel "Quadro Alas" Casimero (18-2, 10KOs) gears up for what he considers as the most important defense of his career against Mexican brawler Felipe Salguero (18-4, 13KOs) on October 26 at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

This marks for the first time that Casimero will put his throne on the line before his fellow countrymen in a surefire 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.

“Honestly, I feel a little pressure but at the same time excited because I am going to fight a foreign opponent in my own country,” said Casimero, who is now in the course of a rigorious training camp at Omega Boxing Gym. “I feel good and hopefully I can score an early knockout. I really want to make sure that I get this win in front of my family and kababayans.”

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.

So far, Casimero said he has already sparred close to 30 rounds against ALA Gym stalwarts Donnie Nietes, Milan Melindo and Rocky Fuentes.

Casimero will benefit a lot in sparring with Nietes, who has also fought and beaten Salguero in a 12-round unanimous decision on June 2 last year at the Resorts World Hotel in Manila.

“My training with coach Pingping (Tepora) is much harder compared to my last two preparations. I already sparred with Donnie, Milan and Rocky I know it will help me a lot,” added Casimero. (FREEMAN)