Casimero thankful for opportunity to take on Arroyo

IBF light flyweight champion Johnriel “Quadro Alas” Casimero is excited about his upcoming big fight against former IBF light flyweight champion MC Williams Arroyo of Puerto Rico.

Casimero (21-3, 13KOs) and Arroyo (16-2, 14KOs) will fight in a title eliminator for the right to face the current IBF light flyweight king Amnat Ruenroeng of Thailand.

However, no certain date has been set for Casimero’s title eliminator showdown against Arroyo.

Casimero already lost to Ruenroeng earlier this year after he challenged the latter for the IBF light flyweight title in a controversial unanimous decision loss in Bangkok, Thailand.

Casimero can gain a rematch but he first has to take care of Arroyo.

“I feel blessed. I’d like to thank [my promoters]  for giving me a big fight, another chance, another opportunity to fight and [take me] one step closer to a world title,” Casimero told Cebu Daily News.

“I thank my promoters for believing in me. I thank them for believing in my skills and capacity in boxing.”

Casimero is currently training in Las Vegas under the the supervision of veteran boxing trainer Jun Agrabio together with General Santos City native and prospect Jonel Dapidran, who is the cousin of eight-division world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

When Casimero was asked about his chances against Arroyo, he told CDN he can defeat the former Olympian from Puerto Rico.

“I can beat him. He is the type of opponent that fits my style. He loves to come forward and I like that kind of opponent.”

Casimero also said he is ready for the fight since he has been training very hard to inch closer to a world title fight.

“I’ve doubled my efforts to get into shape because I am very hungry to win this fight,” Casimeo said.

Casimero also expressed his interest to fight the current number one pound-for-pound boxer in the world, WBC flyweight king Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzales if he is given a chance.