THE rivalry between the Philippines and Puerto Rico continues to escalate as two fighters coming from both countries face off in another world title fight.
Filipino interim world champion Johnreil Casimero will take on undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) light flyweight title-holder Ivan Calderon in Puerto Rico in May.
The winner of the bout will be declared the regular WBO light flyweight titlist.
The bout was supposed to go into purse bid today but both promotional outfits—Calderon’s promoter PR Best Boxing, and Casimero’s handler Sampson Boxing LLC—reached an agreement yesterday to hold the fight in Puerto Rico at the end of May.
The 35-year-old Calderon has held on to the WBO light flyweight belt since 2007, after winning the crown by unanimous decision over Mexican Hugo Fidel Cazares in Puerto Rico.
On the other hand, the 20-year-old Casimero, who is also unbeaten, clinched the interim title after stopping former world titleholder Cesar Canchila in the 11th round last Dec. 19 in Nicaragua.
The Puerto Ricans have a 4-2 lead over the Filipinos in world championship clashes since last year.
One match, between Calderon and World Boxing Council light flyweight champion Rodel Mayol last June 13, ended in a draw.
Pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao and youngster Marvin Sonsona are the only winners for the Philippines. Pacquiao stopped Miguel Cotto, while Sonsona beat Jose Lopez.
Casimero of Mandaue City, has a record of 14-0 with eight KO’s while Calderon is 33-0-1 with six KO’s.
