Philippines, 20 May 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Boxing set for tightrope comeback


PhilBoxing.com





JOHNRIEL Casimero’s triple crown world bantamweight unification fight in Las Vegas has been listed as a preferred top bout in boxing’s awaited sneak-in return to the big scene this year.

Casimero’s original April 25 showdown with sensational Japanese world champion Naoya Inoue was postponed, but has again promised to be the gem presentation by Top Rank Inc. in boxing’s planned break-in through the coronavirus pandemic.

Grand as the Inoue-Casimero bout looms, it cannot detract from the fact that boxing will continue to walk the tightrope in a bid to regain solid footing.

**

The Nevada State Athletic Commission announced it has approved two shows each by Bob Arum’s Top Rank and the UFC headed by Dana White in June.

These cards should serve as testing ground on how combat sports in Nevada could properly and safely return before settling down.
All the fights will initially be minus live attendance, with strict protocols and stringent health measures observed.

**

UFC did live shows in Jacksonville, Florida early in the month, but there’s nothing clear how it could’ve earned operational money minus a live gate.

Top Rank Inc. is similarly making a blind gamble with live fights at the empty venue in Las Vegas.

Its scheduled fights in an MGM Grand complex will be carried on ESPN, but with no live attendance.

All told, these planned fights appear to be part of a limbering period before a big leap into the big time later this year, pandemic conditions permitting.

**

Summer fights are being lined up for fighters already in the U.S. as well as those able to arrive in advance to properly quarantine and train.

Casimero, WBO bantamweight titlist, has decided to remain in Las Vegas, training with the sole purpose of fighting the unbeaten Inoue, the WBA and IBF bantamweight champion with a 19-0 card, including 16 KOs.

Sean Gibbons, MP Promotions president, said they’re waiting for Inoue’s passport to be stamped at the US Embassy in Japan for the exciting warrior to be able to enplane for Las Vegas. He said Casimero wanted no other foe than Inoue.

Akihiko Honda, Inoue’s chief handler, said the knockout artist called The Monster also wanted to fight Casimero urgently.

It promises to be a massive event, but there’s nothing clear how the expensive card could break even without a paying big audience.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • It’s in the blood
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 19 May 2026
  • “The fans will be the true winners” – Angel Ayala ready for IBA PRO 18 in Mexico City
    , Tue, 19 May 2026
  • Rematch option for Melvin
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 19 May 2026
  • World-class stablemates John ‘Scrappy’ Ramirez & Darius ‘DFG’ Fulghum fighting on same card Friday night in San Jose
    , Tue, 19 May 2026
  • Ignacio Defeats Malayan to Claim Title and USD 10,000 Prize
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 19 May 2026
  • USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Dominates Day One of 2026 Copa America with 11-0 Record
    , Tue, 19 May 2026
  • Reina Tellez Returns to the Ring Following World Title Challenge Against Amanda Serrano
    , Mon, 18 May 2026
  • Mombay, Garras top Helubong 50km Uphill Ultra Challenge
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 18 May 2026
  • Arijan Goricki Knocks Out Hassan Ndonga in Nairobi
    , Mon, 18 May 2026
  • USA Boxing's High Performance Squad Sets Sights on Gold at 2026 Copa America
    , Mon, 18 May 2026
  • Team Sugar Rush wins Sir Jessie Villasin Chess Team 2X2 Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 18 May 2026
  • Paolo Gallito, 6 others in the last 16 in Malaysia
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 17 May 2026
  • Keyshawn Davis Returns Home With Decision Win Over Nahir Albright
    , Sun, 17 May 2026
  • Heartbreak in Johannesburg: Jerusalem Dethroned by Kuse in Bloody Rematch
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 17 May 2026
  • Roy Jones Jr. Blasts Dana White and Zuffa’s Push to Reshape Boxing During Explosive “Boxing Primetime Show” Interview
    , Sat, 16 May 2026
  • Weigh-In Results: Keyshawn Davis vs. Nahir Albright II
    , Sat, 16 May 2026
  • Jerusalem vs. Kuse II: High-Stakes Rematch in Johannesburg
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 16 May 2026
  • Hometown Hero Edward Vazquez Returns to ProBoxTV on Friday, June 5, to Face Mexico’s Daniel Lugo in the 10-round Main Event of ‘The Contender Series’ at University of Texas in Arlington
    , Sat, 16 May 2026
  • AQ Prime to host 2 big tournaments
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 16 May 2026
  • June 6 announcement: Padley-Fiaz to Main Event in Sheffield after Galal Yafai setback
    , Fri, 15 May 2026
  • Press Conference Notes: Keyshawn Davis Ready to Settle Unfinished Business in Saturday’s Hometown Rematch against Nahir Albright LIVE on DAZN
    , Fri, 15 May 2026
  • Eros Correa vs. Anthony Garnica, Set to Clash for WBC Continental Americas Title.
    , Fri, 15 May 2026
  • Eman-Perez rematch now title-match
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 15 May 2026
  • Montreal Experience greatly benefited Undefeated Kansas boxing prospect Marco Romero for this Saturday’s fight
    , Fri, 15 May 2026
  • ”MERCILESS” RAY MERCER TO ATTEND 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
    , Fri, 15 May 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.