Johnriel Casimero Defends Against Salguera on 10/26

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

IBF light flyweight champion Johnriel "Quadro Alas" Casimero is happy to defend his title before a hometown crowd in what is expected to be a tough battle against fromer world title challenger Felipe Salguero who had previously lost a unanimous twelve round decision in a close fight against WBC champion Donnie Nietas on June 2, 2012.

For Casimero who has a record of 18-2 with 10 knockouts he faces the added excitement and possible pressure of defending the titl;e he won by a 10th round TKO over Luis Lazarte in Argentina in a bout marred by a post-fight riot in which Casimero, his promoter Sammy Gello-ani and his cornermen were hurt.

The title defense will take place on October 26 under the banner of MP Promotions of "Fighter of the Decade" Manny Pacquiao and will feature several promising prospects on the undercard.

Gello-ani told the Standard that Casimero was deep in training and is determined to put on an explosive performance before his countrymen  after winning the title and successfully defending it twice in foreign countries.

He had a hard time against Mexico's Pedro Guevara when he won by a twelve round split decision before handily beating fancied Luis Alberto Rios last March 3 in Panama.

The 22 year old Casimero who has sparred some 30 rounds against top fighters from the famed ALA Gym including WBO champion Nietes, OPBF champion Rocky Fuentes and WBO flyweight title challenger Milan Melindo is, according to Gello-ani is looking forward to scoring a knockout win although he has admitted feeling some pressure.