Casimero barges into IBF world rankings
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Former three-division world champion John Riel “Quadro Alas” Casimero has broken into the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior featherweight rankings for the first time in years.
In the IBF’s July world rankings, Casimero debuted at No. 10, marking another step in his resurgence. He also continued his climb in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) rankings, where he is now listed at No. 4.
READ: Casimero credits Kameda for career revival after WBO ranking rise
Back-to-back fights in Japan
The 37-year-old former WBO bantamweight champion has won back-to-back fights in Japan since signing with promoter Koki Kameda of Kameda Promotions late last year.
His biggest statement came on June 6 in Tokoname, Aichi, where he stopped former two-division world champion Luis Nery of Mexico with a fourth-round knockout. The victory followed his successful return in December, when he defeated Tom Mizokoshi at the same venue.
Casimero’s entry into the IBF rankings came after replacing Britain’s Joe McGrail at No. 10. He now trails fellow Filipino Kenneth Llover, who is ranked ninth, while another Filipino standout, Carl Jammes Martin, sits as the WBO’s No. 1 contender.
READ: Casimero calls out Inoue anew, says knockout of Nery proves his point
Casimero milestone
The latest ranking is another significant milestone in Casimero’s career revival. After years of setbacks and inactivity, the Filipino veteran is steadily rebuilding his case for a long-discussed showdown with undisputed junior featherweight champion Naoya “Monster” Inoue.
While many boxing observers believe a Casimero-Inoue clash has lost momentum over the years, Casimero’s steady rise in the rankings has kept the possibility alive. His partnership with Kameda Promotions has also provided much-needed stability after a difficult stint under Masayuki Ito’s Treasure Boxing Promotions.
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The pride of Merida, Leyte owns a professional record of 36 wins, including 25 knockouts, against five losses and one draw. Casimero has also hinted that an announcement regarding his next fight is expected soon.
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