WHAT’S UP REF?

Casimero fails to grab IBF flyweight title from Thai foe, losing in badly officiated bout

International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight world champion Amnat Ruenroeng of Thailand added another Filipino in his list of victims after defeating former world champion Johnriel “Quadro Alas” Casimero in a badly officiated world title showdown at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand last Saturday.

The foul-marred fight was controversial after American referee Larry Doggett did nothing to stop the Thai champion from repeatedly sending Casimero to the canvas with takedowns, constantly holding and grabbing for long spells the Filipino in a headlock and around the throat several times.

With this, Ruenroeng walked away with yet another controversial unanimous decision victory to defend his title. He improved his record to 16-0 (win-loss) with 5 knockouts while Casimero dropped to 21-3 with 12 knockouts.

Ruenroeng defended his world title against Chinese boxing super star Zou Shi Ming in Macau, China and last year, defeated Cebuano Rocky “Road Warrior” Fuentes in Thailand in another controversial unanimous decision win.

Aside from not doing anything about the tactics of the Thai, Doggett compounded his questionable officiating by refusing to call a clear knockdown in the third round when Casimero caught Ruenroeng with a perfectly timed left hook. He also allowed the groggy champion time to fix his loose laces that helped him recover.

Making matters worse was that Doggett ruled a knockdown in the previous round when Casimero seemed to have just lost his balance.  Ruenroeng was also awarded another knockdown after Casimero slipped off his foot in the seventh round.

After the bout, Casimero complained that his knee and neck hurt because of Ruenroeng’s excessive holding and takedowns. His promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz promised the Ormoc City native a well-deserved fight later this year.