CEBU, Philippines - Filipino boxer John Riel “Cuadro Alas” Casimero (22-3, 14KOs) turned the tables on Amnat Ruenroeng (17-1, 5KOs) decisively, knocking out cold the previously undefeated Thai champion in round four to seize the IBF flyweight title on Wednesday night at the Diamond Court in Beijing, China.
Casimero dropped Ruenroeng two times with brutal shots in round four, prompting referee Tony Weeks to halt the bout at the 2:10 mark.
The pride of Ormoc City floored Ruenroeng first with a counter left hook, then followed it up with a powerful body shot that sent the dethroned Thai champ flat on the mat for good.
It was a sweet redemption of sort for Casimero, who lost to Ruenroeng by a close decision in their foul-infested duel barely a year ago.
Interestingly during their rematch, Ruenreong already lost his belt on the scales for weighing five pounds over the limit. Casimero came in half a pound over too, but the IBF still gave the championship match a go.
Elated by the resounding win of his prized ward, international promoter/manager Sampson Lewkowicz immediately extended his warm congratulations to Casimero, who is now a two-division world champion.
Casimero once held the IBF light flyweight throne for nearly three years.
“John Riel has gotten this out of the way now. My congratulations to him and to the people of the Philippines. He is now their third current world champion and is very proud to represent them. Next we want to unify against Chocolatito,” said Lewkowicz, referring to the unbeaten pound-for-pound king Roman Gonzalez.
Lewkowicz strongly feels that a unification fight between Casimero and the Nicaraguan ring superstar should happen.
“They say no one wants to fight Gonzalez.We do!John Riel is right here and ready to unify the championships. My phone is always on. Let’s make it happen,” added Lewkowicz. (FREEMAN)