While the country was busy with the hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, one Filipino made sure to not go unnoticed, Sunday.
John Riel Casimero flattened Zolani Tete with 2:14 left in the third round to win the WBO World Bantamweight Championship at the Arena Birmingham in England.
Casimero threw a huge right hook that hit Tete on the temple, stunning the champion.
Though Tete would still continue, his legs were no longer there. Casimero sensed blood, knocking down his opponent once more and forcing referee Steve Gray to stop the contest.
Thisi s Casimero’s third world title while going up to 29-4, 20-KO in the process.
The 31-year-old was the interim championship entering the bout. He defeated Ricardo Espinoza Franco to win the belt last April, then was successful in his defense last August against Cesar Ramirez.
And Casimero did not mince his words on who he wants to fight next, calling out Naoya Inoue for a unification bout.
“Tete is a good fighter, but for my next fight, I want Inoue! Come on, Monster!”
Tete fell to 28-4.
