Casimero seeks payback against Ruenroeng today

CEBU, Philippines - Former Filipino world titlist John Riel "Quadro Alas" Casimero (21-3, 13KOs) seeks no less than revenge as he challenges anew the undefeated IBF flyweight champion Anmat Ruenroeng (17-0, 5KOs) of Thailand in an expected grudge rematch today at the Diamond Court in Beijing, China.

During their foul-infested first encounter in Ruenroeng's hometown barely a year ago, the Ormoc City-native Casimero lost by a highly questionable unanimous decision.

Referee Larry Doggett warned Ruenroeng's five times for incessantly holding, shoving and intentionally pinning down Casimero on the canvas in a very dirty duel that one could have mistaken it as a wrestling match.

Because of the controversial nature of the fight, the IBF has ordered a return bout and Casimero is fortunate enough to have it in a neutral ground this time.

Casimero once held the interim IBF 108-pound belt after knocking out Argentine Luis Alberto Lazarte on February 10, 2012 at the Club Once Unidos in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

After seizing the regular title with a split decision win over Pedro Gueverra four months later in Mexico, Casimero defended his throne three times but weight problems eventually cost him his crowning glory.

Casimero moved up to flyweight and immediately got a title shot, albeit in a losing effort to Ruenroeng.

The 36-year-old Thai claimed the vacant IBF crown in 2014 after beating ALA Boxing Gym stalwart Rocky Fuentes, then made successful defenses against Kazuto Ioka of Japan and McWilliams Arroyo of Puerto that same year.

Ruenroeng ent to Macau in March last year where he made an impression after edging out Chinese star Shiming Zou. Two months after, he decisioned Casimero in a disgraceful bout that forced the IBF to order a rematch.— EBV (FREEMAN)