Philippines, 22 Jun 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Secret workouts for Casimero, foe


PhilBoxing.com




It’s been over two weeks since WBO bantamweight champion JohnRiel Casimero began sparring at Jorge Capetillo’s gym in Las Vegas but no film is available for public viewing. Casimero is training to battle regular WBA titlist Guillermo Rigondeaux at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson City, Los Angeles County, on Aug. 14. There was a video of Rigondeaux’ workout recently leaked by his own camp but it’s not new and apparently meant to throw off Casimero. The secrecy behind their preparations has raised the level of drama in the unification Showtime fight promoted by Tom Brown under Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions.

The bout was arranged last April then Rigondeaux was replaced by WBC ruler Nonito Donaire, Jr. But after a heated war of words between Casimero and Donaire, the duel was cancelled with Rigondeaux brought back into the fray. Casimero said Rigondeaux is a tougher opponent than Donaire even as he called the fight “easy work.” Rigondeaux, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, has a 20-1 record, with 13 KOs and holds a win over Donaire. The 40-year-old Cuban is a southpaw but so was South African Zolani Tete whom Casimero disposed of in three rounds to wrest the WBO crown in Birmingham in 2019. Rigondeaux is training in Texas with Ronnie Shields.

Casimero, 31, has sparred over 30 rounds the last two weeks. Two of his sparmates were seven-time Mexican amateur champion Emiliano Vargas, 17, and unbeaten superfeatherweight Gabe Flores, Jr., 21. Vargas’ father Fernando is a Mexican ring legend and former world champion. Flores won the US Junior Open title in 2016 and has a pro record of 20-0, with 7 KOs. A fresh platoon of sparmates is being assembled for Casimero who moved to Los Angeles yesterday to work with trainer Nonoy Neri. Casimero will join super WBA welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao in morning runs.

“Mas madaling kalaban si Donaire kasi naka-stay lang siya sa harap,” said Casimero. “Si Rigo, tumatakbo kaya tatrabahuhin ko ang pag huli sa kaniya. Pero nagiba na rin ang laro ni Rigo at nakikipagsabayan na. ‘Di na ganoon ka-elusive at bumaba na ang work rate.” Age and a long career may be wearing out Rigondeaux’ legs. Whether or not Rigondeaux is a standing target, Casimero said the Cuban’s going down.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Lastimosa is PBF Youth light fly champ
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 22 Jun 2026
  • Undefeated Unified Champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo Claims WBO International Flyweight Title, Stops Neider Valdez in Two Rounds
    , Sun, 21 Jun 2026
  • Pascuale Perez: Argentina's First World Champion
    By Ray Dunbar, , Sun, 21 Jun 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: Mexico’s Greatness Takes Center Stage
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Sun, 21 Jun 2026
  • Boxing world shocked by Turki Alalshikh's health condition
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 21 Jun 2026
  • Rising Star H2O Sylve Shines in Long Beach, Defeats JoJo Diaz in MF Pro's Historic U.S. Debut on DAZN
    , Sun, 21 Jun 2026
  • Weigh-in Results: Collazo and Valdez On Weight for Flyweight Showdown in Oceanside
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 20 Jun 2026
  • “I feel Murat’s style is a perfect match for me.” Tony Yoka prepares for Murat Gassiev
    , Sat, 20 Jun 2026
  • Alex Eala continue her magical run by beating World No. 8 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 20 Jun 2026
  • BOXING LEGEND: JIMMY CARRUTHERS
    By Ray Dunbar, , Fri, 19 Jun 2026
  • WEIGHTS FROM LONG BEACH H2O SYLVE vs. JOJO DIAZ
    , Fri, 19 Jun 2026
  • Collazo vs. Valdez Final Press Conference Quotes
    , Fri, 19 Jun 2026
  • Alex Eala beats World No.2 Elena Rybakina
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 19 Jun 2026
  • Undefeated Cuban Middleweight Pedro Veitia Scores Electrifying Stoppage of Previously Unbeaten Taiwo Afolabi
    , Fri, 19 Jun 2026
  • Riyadh Season boxing events will stream free starting in November
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 19 Jun 2026
  • Heavyweight Contender Gustavo "The Cuban Assassin" Trujillo Returns June 28 in Main Event of "Fist of Fury 11"
    , Fri, 19 Jun 2026
  • DC Eagles routs Perfect, 5-1 in R5
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 19 Jun 2026
  • PCCI Las Piñas Leaders to Visit Lipa for the June 20 JCI Rapid Chess Tournament
    , Fri, 19 Jun 2026
  • Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez eyes five squads in JCI Senate Lipa 3X3 Open Rapid Chess Tournament on June 20
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 19 Jun 2026
  • PACHECO CLASHES WITH ALEEM ON STACKED LA CARD
    , Thu, 18 Jun 2026
  • Rising Mexican Contender Neider Valdez Steps in to Face Pound-for-Pound Puerto Rican Champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo in WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Minimumweight World Championship Fight
    , Thu, 18 Jun 2026
  • Sumabong to defend WBO title against undefeated Taiwanese on July 11 in Bohol
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 17 Jun 2026
  • Jordan Orozco Remains Perfect with Dominant Third-Round TKO of Fernando Diaz on MVP/Boxlab Card in Orlando
    , Wed, 17 Jun 2026
  • Floyd Mayweather Jr could face charges of fraud in Las Vegas
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 17 Jun 2026
  • EDDIE HEARN SIGNS DIVINE OMOJOR FOR MATCHROOM BOXING ON LONG-TERM DEAL AS NEWCASTLE TEENAGE CRUISERWEIGHT TURNS PRO
    , Wed, 17 Jun 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.