Reigning IBF World Flyweight campion Johnriel Casimero (23-3, 15KO) cannot help but appreciate the respect he has been receiving after successfully making his first title defense against Charlie Edwards, last weekend at the O2 Arena in London, England.
Quatro Alas, who stopped Charlie Edwards (8-1, 3KO) to keep the IBF crown in the Philippines, is happy with how things turned out as planned after the months of painstaking drills, practices, and the travel involved in his last bout.
“Salamat po sa Panginoon na binigyan tayo ng first defense na panalo tsaka nagpapasalamat ako sa mga sumuporta sa akin at sa lahat po,” Casimero told Tiebreaker Times during a press conference held at the Victory Mall in Caloocan City.
Casimero dominated Edwards all throughout the bout but wasn’t able to drop the 2011 European championship bronze medalist in the early-goings. After grinding out the Englishman, the Cebuano was able to put on the finishing touches in the tenth round. According to him, his camp was ready for whatever Edward brought as his speed was the main difference.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTQOelx77ns
“Pinaghandaan talaga namin yung laban na yun kaya nasa gameplan namin yun kung paano namin tatalunin (si Edwards),” the 26-year-old champion shared.
“Malakas talaga yung pagkabigay ko talaga sa suntok na yun kaya ano nalang, kung kaya paba niya o hindi, yun talaga yung nagpapatama sa kanya eh, lagi kasi siyang tumatakbo,” he reflected about the patience he displayed before landing the final blow.
“Hinihintay ko nalang na haharapin na niya ako, hinihintay ko nalang na makipagbakbakan siya kasi pinapakita niya sakin nun hindi boxing eh, lagi nalang takbo nang takbo.”
With his first title defense in the bag, Casimero is targeting a match-up against WBC World Flyweight king and undefeated Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez of Nicaragua (46-0, 38KO).
“Yung gusto ko talaga na susunod na fight si Roman Gonzalez
“Nanalo nanaman siya kagabi, kaya gusto ko siya makalaban yun para maganda ang laban ang mapapanuod natin. Kung sakali kung may magpro-promote, okay lang ako kahit saan siya kalabanin.”
With the recent success of Pinoy boxers on the world stage, Casimero asks for continuous support, not only for them but also for every Filipino boxer puts their bodies on the line in the ring to make the country proud.
“Happy ako na may nadagdag na world champion sa ating bansa – yung 115 at yung 118, tapos yun. Masaya ako na nadagdagan kami. Sana po suportahan ng ating government ang lahat ng boxers,” he said, referring to latest additions to the list of current world champions Marlon Tapales and Jerwin Ancajas.
“Sa lahat ng mga sumusuporta, maraming pong salamat at sana wag niyo po kami pababayaan.
“Alam niyo naman na mahirap yung kalagayan namin kasi kami lang talaga yung lumalaban sa ibang bansa na wala masyadong sumusuporta,” he concluded.
“Laban natin lahat po yung laban namin. Laban para sa ating bansa.”
