Casimero easily destroys Fuentes: Stops Colombian in first round

CEBU, Philippines - He may have lost his belt on scales, but Johnriel "Quadro Alas" Casimero proved he is a class of his own and still has what it takes to become a world champion again.

Casimero hardly broke out a sweat in scoring a masterful first round knockout of Colombian Mauricio Fuentes in the main event of the "Pinoy Knockout" card on Saturday evening at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Brgy. Lahug, this city.

Despite his resounding victory, the IBF light flyweight title will be rendered vacant as Casimero was automatically stripped of his crown for coming in five and a half pounds over the regulatory 108-pound limit during last Friday's weigh-in at The Event Centre of SM City-Cebu, Casimero

It did not dampen the spirits of Casimero though in putting on a show before his hometown fans.

The Ormoc City fighter came out with his guns ablaze right after the opening bell, peppering Fuentes with vicious combinations that sent the hapless Colombian down on both knees early on.

Casimero then went for the kill, unleashing a powerful right uppercut to the chin that flattened Fuentes for good. With Fuentes writhing in pain on the canvas, American referee Gerard White wisely waved off the bout at 2:59 mark of the opening round to prevent the Colombian from further harm.

“I really want to show that I am still a champion,” said Casimero, who promised to go back to training after a short rest in preparation for his campaign in the flyweight division. “I aimed for a knockout to redeem myself but I didn’t expect the fight to be that quick.”

“I will work hard to be a world champion again in higher weight division. I am ready to fight any champions in the flyweight, but I would really love to challenge Juan Francisco Estrada for the WBO and WBA) titles,” added Casimero, who improved his record to 20-2 now spiked with 12KOs.

For his part, SGG Sports Promotions President Sammy "Don King" Gello-ani said he will immediately work on Casimero’s debut in the 122 lbs. division that would probably happen in July or September this year.

“I want him to fight first in a non-title bout for his flyweight debut. After that, I would look for a chance if he can challenge for a world title,” said Gello-ani. “Johnriel is still a champion without a belt and I think I would not have a hard time looking for a chance to let him fight for another world title.”

In the supporting bouts, Filipino prospect Harmonito de la Torre (13-0,8KOs) kept his unbeaten record intact and at the same time snare the WBF International super featherweight crown with a fourth round stoppage of Flores Boxing Stable’s Gadwin Tubigon (10,9 5KOs), while Jessie Cris Rosales (14-0, 5KOs) claimed the WBO Youth Asia-Pacific featherweight belt after eking out a close decision win over Anthony Sabalde (8-4,4KOs).

In the other featured match, Omega Boxing Gym rising star Jhack ‘Golden Boy’ Tepora (10-0, 6KOs) stopped Joash Apericio (11-12,8KOs) in round 10 to wrest the WBF Asia-Pacific super bantamweight championship. — With JV Garcia, CNU MassCom Intern