MANILA – Filipino boxer Johnriel Casimero aims for another shot at a world title as he battles dangerous Ricardo Espinoza Franco of Mexico for the WBO interim world bantamweight belt today at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
It is a chance for the Ormoc, Leyte native to move closer to his third world championship in as many divisions after reigning supreme before at light flyweight and flyweight division.
Casimero previously handled the IBF light flyweight belt after beating Mexican Pedro Guevarra in 2012 and went on to defend the diadem against Luis Alberto Rios and Felipe Salguero.
In 2016, Casimero went on to bag the IBF world flyweight belt after a stoppage win over Thai boxer Amnat Ruenroeng before defending the championship once against Charlie Edwards.
Casimero, who won via stoppages in his last two matches, said that he is not backing down even if his opponent Franco is three inches taller than him at 5-foot-7 and has a 7-centimeter advantage in reach.
“I know that he has the advantage on height and reach but I am not backing down,” the 30-year-old Casimero said. “What I can promise is that one of us is bound to be knocked out.”
Casimero will be entering the match with a 26-4-0 win-loss-draw ring record, including 17 knockout wins, while the 21-year-old Franco has 23-2-0 card, including 20 stoppage wins./PN
