Philippines, 11 Apr 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Casimero disqualified in title defense


PhilBoxing.com



Casimero.
WBO bantamweight champion JohnRiel Casimero has until today to plead his case in avoiding dethronement after being ruled out of his title defense against England’s Paul Butler in Liverpool tomorrow (Saturday morning, Manila time) for violating a British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) ban on sauna use for reducing weight. In an earlier decision, the WBO decreed that Casimero would be stripped if he fails to fight Butler for whatever reason but “Quadro Alas” was given a 48-hour window to submit a “show cause” letter to explain why he shouldn’t be defrocked.

Casimero trained in San Diego for over a month then landed in Liverpool late last week to keep his appointment with Butler. Unaware of the BBBC rule, Casimero posted on his social media account pictures and a video showing him in a sauna room at Derby Lane Health & Fitness. The rule states that “the use of saunas to lose weight is strictly forbidden by the BBBofC and any boxer found or suspected of using a sauna will be refused permission to box without exception.”

WBO championship committee chairman Luis Batista Salas wrote a letter to Casimero’s Russian manager Egis Klimas that “Casimero’s actions are against the Board’s medical guidelines and will not be permitted to compete accordingly.” Salas ordered Casimero to submit a “show cause” letter within 48 hours from April 19 “as to why the WBO title shall not be declared vacant.” As of last Tuesday, Casimero reportedly scaled 119.8 pounds or within striking distance of the bantamweight limit of 118. But Salas said “the BBBofC indicated that Casimero has completed two check weights since arriving in the UK and these proceedings have shown an alarming reduction in weight of 10 pounds in only three days.”

Meanwhile, the WBO designated Filipino Jonas Sultan to replace Casimero and face Butler instead for the interim championship to save the promotion. Butler is ranked No. 1 and Sultan No. 4 by the WBO. Sultan, 30, has an 18-5 record, with 11 KOs while Butler, 33, is a former IBF bantamweight champion with a 33-2, with 15 KOs, slate.


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


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Blazen Rocili "The Filipino Giant" Dominates in Statement Victory at "Rumble in the UNE," Improves to 10-0
    , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Oppas to face Lu on April 11 in Australia
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Ilar, Infiesto to play in Guevarra Chess Cup
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Pabular to face Kitano on April 13 at Korakuen Hall
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Five reasons why IBA NOMAD 14 in Almaty is worth watching
    , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Antonio bounces back in Sydney International Open Chess Championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Wise Owl Boxing Signs Rising Los Angeles Prospect Jahvad McDermott
    , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Staying active is Magsayo’s priority
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Abu Bakar ready to rumble against Singh on April 11
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Atty. Aldwin Alegre is set to compete in the 23rd Bangkok Chess Club Open 2026 to be held at the Luxurious Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa, Thailand from April 11-19, 2026.
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • WEIGH IN RESULTS IGLESIAS VS SILYAGIN - TOMORROW NIGHT IN MONTREAL!
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Kristian Prenga Headlines “Crossroads in Brick City” on June 6 in Newark
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Macala, Silva, Lopez to play in 14th Atty. Jong Guevarra Cup
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Former World Champion Miguel Berchelt Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in  Las Vegas
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Sem Japet Enano Stuns Hometown Favorite Tyrell Adams to Claim IBO Oceania Featherweight Title
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • IBF lightweight eliminator tops IBA.PRO 17 card in Ufa
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Biasong fights Bustrillo on April 18 in Bukidnon
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 08 Apr 2026
  • Olmillo fights Boquiren on April 18 in RFL
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 08 Apr 2026
  • Overweight Paradero cancels bout
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 08 Apr 2026
  • Biado's World 8-Ball Title Bid Ends
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 08 Apr 2026
  • WBC Champion Lester Martinez will be honored in Guatemala Congress
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 08 Apr 2026
  • Full Card Announced for this Saturday, April 11, Mielnicki Jr. vs. Huerta Event from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City & Live on ProBoxTV
    , Wed, 08 Apr 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 7 APRIL 2026: Santiago Retains WBA/WBO Titles in Tokyo; Taduran KOs Perez in 5; Price Decisions Aquino; Wins by Wilder, Bentley and Tim Tszyu
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 07 Apr 2026
  • Carlo Biado is the last Filipino standing in the 2026 Yalin WPA Men's 8-Ball World Championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 07 Apr 2026
  • Unification next for Taduran?
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 07 Apr 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.