Paul Butler believes John Riel Casimero deserves to be stripped of the World Boxing Organization bantamweight title with the British fighter reminding the WBO of its guarantee that it will do so in the event the Filipino puncher figures in another fiasco.
“They (WBO) should do exactly what they said they would do. Any problems with Casimero, strip him,” Butler said in an interview released by Probellum, the promotional outfit that is staging Friday night (Saturday morning in Manila) show at the M&S Arena in Liverpool.
Casimero was supposed to make a mandatory defense against Butler but the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) ruled that Casimero will not be allowed to fight after violating a medical guideline regarding the use of sauna in the final days leading up to a fight.
The BBBofC said a video of Casimeo taking a sauna bath with just days left before the fight is a clear violation of its safety protocols.
It was also learned that Casimero has shed off an excessive and alarming amount of weight in a short span of three days.
Butler said Casimero doesn’t deserve to be spared the rod since he had also done the same stuff in Dubai last December when they were supposed to have fought.
That fight was scrapped after Casimero suddenly fell ill but the WBO allowed him to keep the bantamweight belt but made it clear that the next time a similar incident happen, the title would be declared vacant.
But that’s not the case in Liverpool as the WBO has given Casimero the chance to explain his side before it takes action.
Butler is not amused by the WBO’s alleged reluctance to automatically strip Casimero.
“That’s exactly what should happen. They should stick to the word,” Butler said.
With Casimero out, in comes Jonas Sultan.
“Sultan was always there. He’d be a fill-in if any problems (arise) with Casimero. I have always prepared for that and on the back of my mind. I have watched him the first thing it was announced and I have been watching him.”
Butler swears his hands will be full come fight night.
“Good fighter. Strong fighter. He’s beat Casimero. He’s shown his level there and he’s lost to a couple of kids he shouldn’t have lost to. But he’s a good fighter, a bullish fighter. He comes forward and wants to take it out.”
Still, the hometown bet is unfazed.
“There’s weaknesses and I have spotted them straight away. His weaknesses are my strengths.”
Meanwhile, Butler has got a piece of advice for the embattled Casimero.
“He’s filming everything and slamming it all over the Internet. and if you’re going to the sauna, keep it discreet. Don’t let anyone see what you’re doing.”
