Bittersweet win for Casimero

CEBU, Philippines - Tears were racing down the cheeks of newly-crowned IBF light flyweight champion Johnriel "Quadro Alas" Casimero moments after his arrival yesterday at the Mactan International Airport.

But it wasn't tears of joy but of sorrow as the newest toast of Philippine boxing is grieving for the death of his dear brother.

Unlike a typical fighter coming off a successful stint abroad, Casimero did not bask in the glow of triumph nor he was in a celebratory mood. He could even hardly speak to reporters when asked about their harrowing ordeal in Argentina's capital of Buenos Aires five days ago.

"I'm really at a loss right now. I couldn't describe what I feel. It's hard to celebrate because of what had happened to my brother," said a misty-eyed Casimero, who sustained small cuts on his left face.

The turn of events in his life the past week - from the passing away of his brother to winning the championship in a fight marred by an ugly riot - were all like a dream to him, according to Casimero.

"Sadness overcame my happiness. I cannot understand what had happened to me. It's all like a dream," said the pride of Ormoc City.

Unkown to many, Casimero's younger brother Gerald died from a congenital heart disease a day before he left the country for an IBF championship bout with Argentina's hometown idol Luis Alberto Lazarte.

"I was hurting deep inside but just I kept it to myself." said Casimero. "There's no turning back for me. I said to my myself that this is my chance to win the title for my countrymen and for my family and I have to make the most out of it."

Casimero's business manager Sammy "Don King" Gello-ani was all praise for the courage and fighting spirit of his ward in the face of adversity.

"I myself did not even know that his brother passed away. I was told about it only when we were already in Argentina," said Gello-ani. "What Casimero has shown was very admirable. Even though he was in pain, he did not lose his focus. He was very comfortable, very relaxed before the right. He did everything to win the title, which he said is his gift to the Filipino people."

Casimero, who turned 22 years old last Monday, scored a 10th round stoppage of Lazarte to claim the previously vacant IBF 108-pound crown last Friday night (Saturday morning Phl time) at the Club Once Unidos in Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires.

But even before referee Eddie Claudio of New York could formally declare the winner, a swarm of angry Argentine fans flocked to the ring and attacked Casimero and his team.

The IBF officials and some cooler heads who tried to prevent the situation from getting worse were not spared by the wrath of irate fans. Chairs, bottles, punches and other hard objects were flying all over the arena at the height of the melee.

"We won the title the hard way. It was a bad experience for us but the important thing is that we were not badly hurt. We suffered only minor bruises," said Gello-ani.

Gello-ani said Lazarte is a member of the Truckers Group Union in Buenos Aires and those who ganged up on them were mostly his comrades.

"I've been in boxing for a long time and the incident was just a normal thing. It's only that they could not accept defeat," said Gello-ani.

Inspite of what had happened, Gello-ani said they're still willing to go back and fight in Argentina but on several conditions. "Argentina is a beautiful place. We are still willing to fight there but it depends on who is the opponent and where it would be held."

As for now, Gello-ani said they would savor first their glorious moment.

"Now that he's already a world champion, I have so many plans for him," said the highly esteemed Cebuano boxingman. I want him to defend his title for a long time, that is my dream for Casimero.

Meanwhile, Casimero was greeted by a throng of well-wishers led by his stablemates at the Omega Boxing Gym managed by International Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (IPI).

"Casimero's victory inspires us to strive and work hard so we could be like him someday," said bantamweight prospect Jerome Casas, who is scheduled to face Pedro Balada in the undercard of Rey "Boom Boom" Bautista's keenly-awaited Bohol homecoming fight on March 3 at the Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex in Tagbilaran City.