Casimero drops title

MANILA, Philippines — For the second time in his career, John Riel Casimero has lost his world title without stepping inside the ring.

Reports yesterday said the 31-year-old Filipino was stripped of his WBO bantamweight crown on the eve of his scheduled title defense against Paul Butler of the United Kingdom.

The fight that was to take place at the Coca-Cola Arena was called off after Casimero pulled out due to “viral gastritis” and amid reports that he failed to make the 118-pound limit.