Philippines, 25 Jan 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


IBF: CASIMERO'S MANDATORY CHALLENGER TO BE DECIDED BETWEEN MEXICAN "COBRA" MENDOZA AND "PAN BLANCO" R?OS OF PANAMA


PhilBoxing.com




In an official letter dated August 8, 2012, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) advised that the mandatory challenger for IBF light flyweight world champion Filipino Johnriel Casimero would be decided from the eliminator fight between the highest ranked fighters in the division, Mexican Javier "La Cobra" Mendoza (left) and Luis Alberto "Pan Blanco" R?os of Panama.

The official document signed by Lindsey E. Tucker, Jr., IBF Championships Chairman, addressed to the managers of the fighters states as follows:

"#3 Luis Alberto R?os (of Panama) and #4 Javier Mendoza (of M?xico) are the two highest ranked available contenders in the IBF Jr. Flyweight division. In an effort to determine who the mandatory challenger will be, the IBF is ordering that an elimination bout should be held between R?os and Mendoza for the number 1 position. The winner will become #1 and the mandatory challenger (of world champion Johnriel Casimero)."

Therefore, "La Cobra" Mendoza (19-2-1, 16KO's) of Tijuana, a prot?g? of legendary fighter Eric "El Terrible" Morales, and Panamanian Luis "Pan Blanco" Rios (17-1-1, 12KO's), handled by Panama's top boxing promotion company Promociones y Eventos del Istmo, will be taking part in the eliminatory bout and negotiations between both camps are already underway.

Mendoza, who won the WBC Continental Americas light flyweight (108 lbs) last February, comes from a last week's victory over fellow Mexican Christian Aguilar in Mazatl?n. "La Cobra" has won his last six fights by way of knock out.

Meanwhile, the 22 year-old Panamanian "Pan Blanco" Rios, who has also won his last six fights by way of knock out, is the current WBC Latino champion, title that he captured by knocking out Colombian Luis Carrillo last April at the Roberto Dur?n Arena in Ciudad de Panam?.

"La Cobra" Mendoza and "Pan Blanco" R?os have only fought in their respective countries. The date and place of their eliminator combat is being decided.

Regarding this important development in the career of Johnriel Casimero (17-2, 10KO's), well-respected analyst Dong Secuya, the creator of PhilBoxing.com, commented to this author:

"Casimero was very recently elevated to world champion and just last week made his first title defense. His title was earned under very difficult circumstances in Argentina. So I wonder why so much rush to impose a 'mandatory challenger' on him?"


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Andy Cruz vs Raymond Muratalla: Who Will Execute?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Libranza to fight undefeated Tso for IBF Pan Pacific bantam
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Filipino Cue Artist RJ Bautista Ready to Shine at the Las Vegas Open 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • MURATALLA VS. CRUZ WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
    , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
    , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Ballesteros not yet ready against Ocum
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Chocolatito Gonzalez to undergo shoulder surgery
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • NM Nika finishes Sixth in Czech Republic Blitz chess tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
    , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Donaire back in Cebu
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • MURATALLA VS. CRUZ IN LAS VEGAS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
    , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • Four Pinoys in line for title shots
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • After the meeting in Mexico City, the WBC is ready for 2026
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • Former world title challenger Jerry Belmontes Returns to ring at home after nearly a decade in Retirement on January 31 in Texas
    , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT RONNY ALVAREZ TRAINING CAMP NOTES
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • STRICKLAND STUNS REYES AS SOUQUET SEALS REDEMPTION | WNT LEGENDS
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • Knicks defeats Nets 120-66 to post largest margin of victory in franchise history
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • Mauricio Sulaiman: "We simply urge Zuffa Boxing to respect and protect boxing and the boxer"
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • January 31: Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou Junior Middleweight Title Unification Showdown to Stream LIVE on Top Rank Classics FAST Channel in the United States
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • Mike Tyson to Launch “Mike Tyson Invitational,” a Three-Day Amateur Boxing Showcase Aimed at Elevating the Future of American Boxing
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • KAIPO GALLEGOS TRAINING CAMP NOTES
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • REYES AND BUSTAMANTE DELIVER HOME-SOIL MASTERCLASS | WNT LEGENDS
    , Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • Reigning World 10-ball Champion Filipino cue master Jonas Magpantay to see action in Indonesia pool tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • OLYMPIC BOXING 7: 1936 OLYMPICS AT BERLIN, GERMANY
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • Usyk and Zuffa Boxing Negotiations Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 21 Jan 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.