Reigning World Boxing Organization champion John Riel Casimero has been on a roll, demolishing his last six opponents with ease.
Up against 40-year-old Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux (20-1-1, 13KO) on Sunday (Manila time), the 31-year-old Filipino has something in store for his opponent.
“I have a surprise for Rigondeaux on Saturday night. He will maybe last three rounds. Don’t run!” offered Casimero during the final press conference for Premier Boxing Champions event that will be held in Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
Ever since losing the WBO junior lightweight title in 2017, Rigondeaux has been on a roll, winning his last three bouts. But he has yet to fight since February 2020.
A two-division world champion, Rigondeaux does not feel worried about Casimero outclassing him, saying that he stands on a different plane compared to the Filipino’s last six opponents.
“He’s knocked out six guys in a row, but none of them are in the same class as me,” said Rigondeaux.
“He’s going to have the devil in front of him on Saturday.”
“I’ve stopped my last six opponents and Rigondeaux is next. He’s ‘finito’,” responded Casimero.
Casimero though has youth on his side.
And come fight night, he plans on putting the nail in Rigondeaux’s career.
Photo by Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
“Rigondeaux is a great fighter. But this fight is very important to me because I know my next opponent may be Nonito Donaire or Naoya Inoue. Those two opponents may be scared of me but Rigondeaux is not scared,” quipped Casimero.
“But don’t worry Rigondeaux, this will be your last fight on August 14.”
Rigondeaux bared that he has always heard the noise about him retiring. But for him, his opponents have to back their talk.
“All these jokers always talk a lot about making me retire, but they have to do it in the ring. Let’s see what you do on Saturday. I’m still right here.”
