Jerwin Ancajas’ win last weekend is a welcome addition to the current list of Filipino world champions and Johnriel Casimero is looking to keep the number at four according to Casimero’s coach Jun Agrabio.
Currently in London to corner his ward, who will defend his IBF world flyweight belt against Charlie Edwards of England at the O2 Arena this Sunday, Manila Time, Agrabio shared that it’s nice to see that Filipino boxers are performing at the elite level.
“Masaya kami dahil nadadagdagan tayo,” he said about Ancajas’ title-clinching performance against McJoe Arroyo to claim the IBF world super flyweight belt, in a phone patch shortly after the press conference.
“Mas okay na dumadami at mas lalo tayong makilala pa. Mas lalong dumami at marami din diyang gusto mag world champion sa atin sa Pilipinas.”
The victory made the 24-year-old MP Boxing standout join the likes of Casimero as well as Marlon Tapales and Nonito Donaire as current world champions.
For their part, Casimero’s camp wants to keep it that way opposite their undefeated challenger Charlie Edwards, who has won eight consecutive matches, with three by way of knockouts.
Edwards, 23, was an amateur standout. The former member of Great Britain’s boxing program is a bronze medalist at the 2011 European championships in addition to the winning the ABA or the Amateur Boxing Association of England title at flyweight in 2014.
Though relatively new in the professional ranks, Agrabio sees the Sutton-born pugilist is not someone to be taken lightly, especially with the support from the hometown crowd but assured that “Quatro Alas” is prepared for anything come fight night.
“Nirerespeto namin si Charlie Edwards dahil hindi naman nila kukunin ang laban na ito kung hindi nila alam na may tsansa silang manalo,” the trainer shared.
“So may nakita sila sa amin na puwede nilang i-take advantage kaya siguro nag-promote sila sa laban na ito.”
Agrabio also added that the seven hour time difference won’t be a factor as the Ormoc City-born Casimero is already used to fighting abroad, competing in world title fights.
“Wala sa kanya yung mga ganung (bagay),” he added.
“Sanay siya so hindi po kami nabahala sa laban na maidepensa namin ito.”
Fighting in the undercard of the Gennady Golovkin-Kelly Brook fight, one of the biggest boxing cards this year, Casimero’s team is thankful to be part of it and promises an exciting fight. They also thanked the Filipino boxing fans for the continuous support and asks for prayers not only for the win for Johnriel but also safety for both fighters.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa promoter dito, kay Eddie Hearns at sa Matchroom Promotions dahil isa kami sa napili nila na mapasama sa isang napakalaking card, yung kay GGG. Yun talaga excited kami. Excited ang buong team na napasama kami dun.”
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa lahat ng mga sumusuporta, at sana madagdagan pa ang prayers para kay Johnriel na mapanatili ang korona natin at mapalayo sila sa kapahamakan, both of them kasi boxing lang yan eh,” he furthered.
“Pagkatapos ng laban, kung ano man ang resulta ng laban, nasa maayos na kalagayan both sides.”
