Philippines, 15 Oct 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


GETTING TO KNOW JOHN RIEL CASIMERO


PhilBoxing.com




When the news came out a few months ago that John Riel Casimero signed with International promoter and matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz, it raised eyebrows and also a lot of questions starting with ?John Riel who??. News of his WBO interim title shot also took boxing pundits by surprise.

So just who is John Riel Casimero?

He is a light flyweight who has fought under the radar since he turned pro in June 2007. He did win a Philippine title belt in 2008 against Rodel Quilaton but that was in far away Alcoy, Cebu. He won the WBO Asia Pacific light flyweight title two months later in Talisay City against Thai Liempetch Sor Veerapol by 5th round TKO.

When he had a chance to box on a televised fight card last May 2009 at the Cebu Coliseum, he was overshadowed by Marvin Sonsona?s stunning 2nd round KO win over Wandee Singwancha and Ramie Laput barely avoiding a roundhouse kick from Ratanachai Sor Vorapin in the 11th round.

But Casimero has remained undefeated. He has also continued to silently train at the gym that he now calls home. Two years ago, he left Ormoc City, Leyte and now lives inside the IPI Gym in Baranggay Guizo, Mandaue City, Cebu.

So when did the 20 year old gym rat take up boxing?

?I was 12 years old when I started. I used to get into a lot of street fights, one time I was fighting three guys at once. A boxing trainer saw me and asked if I was interested in becoming a boxer.?

Casimero is a former national amateur boxing champion. He finished fourth year high school and used to play soccer during interschool meets. He still does during his spare time. If he did not fight professionally, he would have wanted to become a policeman.

His dream opponent?

?Ivan Calderon. I don?t think his defensive style will bother me.?

Casimero has sparred with Richard Betos and Fernando Lumacad at the IPI Gym. He has been training for more than four months now and claims to have sparred 300 rounds already and has reached the 12 round distance thrice during sparring. He also does his early morning roadwork running up the Busay Hills.

Casimero is the second of four siblings. His father is not a prize fighter but his brother, Jason recently turned pro. John Riel goes back home to Leyte after a fight. He has never been knocked down and the only time he bled due to cuts inflicted by head butts.

?My weight will not be a problem,? he said. ?I weigh now 115 and I know I can easily make 108 during the official weigh-in.? Casimero says he weighs 125 if he doesn?t train.

Christopher Pingping ?The Sting? Tepura, a former pro boxer, trained Johnriel when he was already an eight rounder. He praised Casimero?s work ethic and is confident of victory. Nonito Donaire,Sr. will also join their training camp and they plan to leave for Nicaragua early on December 9.

Casimero will fight for the WBO interim lt.flyweight belt against Cesar Canchila of Colombia in Managua, Nicaragua on December 19 as the headliner for the special boxing event IN MEMORY OF ALEXIS "EL FLACO EXPLOSIVO" ARGUELLO, the legendary Nicaraguan three division champion.

Casimero is confident that he can make an explosive debut on the world stage and a victory will propel him closer towards his dream of facing WBO champ Ivan Calderon.

(Bottom photo: Casimero with trainer Pingping Tepura during the Friday evening interview)





Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Shane Mosley Sr. Blasts Oscar De La Hoya of Blocking Son’s Title Shot, Calls for Trilogy Fight on Drew & Pris Uncensored podcast
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • MASOUD vs McGRAIL HEADLINES BLOCKBUSTER MONTE-CARLO SHOWDOWN VI CARD ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 – LIVE ON DAZN
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • WFM Mendoza seizes lead in 2025 FIDE World Youth Chess Championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • YOENLI HERNANDEZ KNOCKS OUT RAMON DELACRUZ SENA IN FIRST ROUND OF MAIN EVENT OF FISTS OF FURY 8
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • BEN WHITTAKER TITLE SHOT CONFIRMED WITH PRESS CONFERENCE THIS FRIDAY
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • GOLDEN BOY ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST AMATEUR TALENT IN CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • SHANNON RYAN: I'M READY TO BRING 'KAOS' TO YORK HALL THIS WEEK
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • Nikita Tszyu Health Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 13 OCTOBER 2025: Ennis Wipes Out Lima; Vianello Defeats Barriere; Makhmudov Outpoits Allen
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Omar Juarez Set for Homecoming Clash Against Omar Rosario on October 18 i
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • BLAZEN ROCILI, THE 6’3” FILIPINO GIANT, SCORES DOMINANT 2ND-ROUND TKO OVER ORLANDO SALGADO IN AURORA, COLORADO
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • YORK HALL FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE CONFIRMED AS KIERON CONWAY VOWS TO TEACH 'OVER CONFIDENT' RIVAL GEORGE LIDDARD A LESSON
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Pedro Veitia Set to Face Fellow Unbeaten Xavier Ceron on October 18 in Texas, Live on DAZN
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Jesse Espinas Victorious, New IBF Asia Champion
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Naseem Hamed Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Kiddie Chess Tournament Goes to Farmers Plaza
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Manny Pacquiao vs. Rolly Romero in January 2026? Boxing Legend Eyes One More Run at Glory
    By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • 11 martial arts in BP 2025
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • NM Medina beats Slovak GM, draws with FM Castellano to win the 8th AQ Prime FIDE Standard Open Chess Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • “The Wonder Boy” Carl Jammes Martin Ready to Shine October 29 at the 50th Anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila (Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 19: JOE FRAZIER FIGHTS ALI, QUARRY AND ELLIS AGAIN
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Berchelt captures "Reynosa" WBC commemorative belt after triumphant return
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Supeyia Fights Mamdouh in Brico Santig’s Thailand Show; Elmo Traya and Raymond Yanong Also in Action Oct 25 LIVE on TrillerTV
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • PIJUS LABUTIS MAKES HISTORY WITH MAIDEN MATCHROOM MAJOR TRIUMPH IN HANOI
    , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • ARSLANBEK MAKHMUDOV DEFEATS DAVE ALLEN AND DEMANDS TO FACE AJ NEXT
    , Sun, 12 Oct 2025




  •  



     
    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
    © 2025 philboxing.com.