ANOTHER young Pinoy pug will gun for history as he shoots for a world title before he turns 20.
Nineteen-year-old Johnreil Casimero, who is from Leyte but is now based in Mandaue, will face former world champion Cesar Canchila for the interim World Boxing Organization light flyweight crown in Nicaragua today.
Like fellow 19-year-old Marvin Sonsona, who became the second youngest Filipino world champion by beating veteran Jose Lopez last Sept. 4, Casimero will try his luck in becoming a world champion by upsetting the more experienced Canchila in his first fight outside of the Philippines.
The unbeaten Casimero, 13-0 with seven knockouts, has been making waves in the local boxing scene as he has been beating all his opponents.
Some of his victims were Thai youngster Liempetch Sor Veerapol, Filipino veteran Rodel Quilaton and Ardin Diale.
On the other hand, the former World Boxing Association (WBA) light flyweight titlist Canchila, who has an impressive record of 28-2 with 22 knockouts, has fought and defeated some of the elite fighters in the 108-pound division–former world title contender Miguel Tellez and WBA light flyweight Giovanni Segura.
Canchila gave Segura his only loss via unanimous decision in 2008 but he was defeated by Segura in their rematch earlier.
Meanwhile, like Casimero, ALA boy AJ Banal will be up against a formidable foe, Cecilio Santos, as he headlines the “Bakbakan sa Sinulog” of ALA Promotions and Smart Sports on Jan.14 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City.
“It is not just one of those easy fights that a winner is predictable. Banal is in for a tough fight and we meant it to be so we can find out if he is ready once again to challenge for the world title,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer.
The 20-year-old Banal lost in his first world title bout in 2008, when Rafael Concepcion stopped him in the 10th round at the Cebu Coliseum.
However, he bounced back and won his last three fights.
Also seeing action in the same card is highly-rated ALA fighter Milan Melindo, who’s set to face World Boxing Council Youth Intercontinental champion Anthony Villareal.
