FILIPINO World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero has sounded extremely confident and borderline arrogant about his chances against Cuban challenger Guillermo Rigondeaux.
The 31-year-old Casimero has repeatedly said he will knock the 40-year-old Rigondeaux out and send the former two-division champion into retirement.
Now is the time for Casimero to put those words into action when he defends his title on Sunday (Philippine time) at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
The title fight is set at 10 a.m.
Casimero tipped the scales at 118 pounds, a half-pound heavier than Rigondeaux at the official weigh-in on Saturday.
Casimero, who sports a 30-4 win-loss card with 21 knockouts, has won over his last six opponents via knockout. His last victory was against Duke Micah of Ghana, who lasted only three rounds against the Filipino champ in September last year.
For Casimero, beating Rigondeaux will also serve as his ticket to fight countryman and World Boxing Council titleist Nonito Donaire as well World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation champion Naoya Inoue of Japan.
“My last six fights are all finito (finished by knockouts) and you’re next (Rigondeaux). This is a surprise you know. Rigondeaux may be [will last for] just three rounds. Don’t run,” said Casimero in a press conference on Friday.
“This is a good fight on August 14 (August 15 in Manila). Rigondeaux is a good fighter. This fight is very important for me because I know my next opponent may be [Nonito] Donaire or [Naoya] Inoue. Don’t worry Rigondeaux, this is going to be the last of your fights.”
Rigondeaux last fought in February last year and defeated Venezuelan Liborio Solis via split decision to win the vacant WBA bantamweight title.
“Don’t worry; wait until Saturday when you have me in front of you,” Rigondeaux told Casimero. “I’m tired of hearing all these jokers saying that I’m gonna retire. I’m here, do it on Saturday.”
Rigondeaux, however, expressed his gratitude to Casimero for accepting his challenge.
“Congrats Casimero on doing the weight. I know it’s the hardest battle going to one fight. I give you all the credit in the world for accepting my challenge when so many others have cracked up to the possibility of facing me. Credit to all Filipinos for being like this since Nonito did too,” wrote Rigondeaux in a social media post on Saturday.
“Everything that has been said prior to this fight remains in the past. Tomorrow (Sunday) we are going to fight for our family, for our people and the best will win but no matter who does we will both do our best.”
