Johnriel Casimero and Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes said that they felt no pressure now that they have become the two remaining Filipino world-boxing champions after their compatriots Manny Pacquiao,
Brian Viloria and Nonito Donaire Jr. lost their crowns to various foes within a period of less than a year. The two promised to train harder to keep their titles.
Casimero, 23, the current International Boxing Federation light flyweight champ, said he felt sad watching his fellow Filipino Donaire lost his World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight belt to Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux on Saturday.
?It was a sad day for Philippine boxing because we?re now the only two Filipino world champions left after Nonito?s loss,? Casimero (18-2 win-loss record with 10 knockouts) told The Manila Times in a phone interview from his hometown Ormoc City on Tuesday.
?That?s why me and Donnie [Nietes] need to work hard to remain world champions although we do not feel any pressure,? added Casimero. ?So far, I still have no idea who will be my next opponent.?
Casimero, who beat Luis Alberto Rios in Panama in March, said he is doing some workouts and also plays basketball to stay fit while waiting for his next bout.
Nietes, 30, the present WBO light flyweight champion, also expressed sadness for the losses suffered by his fellow Filipino boxers lately, ?We just need to work harder every training and never underestimate any opponent,? said Nietes.
Nietes (31-1-4 win-loss-draw card with 17 KOs) won via majority decision over Mexican Moises Fuentes in March 2.
