A coincidence 33 years apart

At first, IBF flyweight champion Johnriel Casimero's trainer Jhun Agrabio thought it was the first world title fight won by a Filipino in London. But over the phone a few hours ago, I mentioned that in 1983, Frank Cedeno of Talisay, Cebu, knocked out UK Olympian Charlie Magri in the 6th round to wrest the WBC flyweight crown at Wembley Arena.

What a coincidence, said Agrabio. Casimero and Cedeno both stopped Englishmen named Charlie in world flyweight title fights in London ... 33 years apart. Another Filipino Eric Jamili won the vacant WBO minimumweight title via an eighth round stoppage of hometowner Mickey Cantwell at the New London Arena in 1997.

Agrabio said he expected Casimero to be booed entering the ring to face Charlie Edwards but after the IBF champion retained his title on a 10th round TKO Saturday night, the hostile fans became converts. Casimero was mobbed for autographs and photos by admiring English fans. Even promoter Eddie Hearn and Triple G himself went up to Casimero to congratulate him. Hearn thanked Casimero for giving the fans a treat while Gennady Golovkin praised him as a great champion with great power.

Casimero and his traveling party will return to Manila on Monday evening.