Don’t count Casimero out

Johnriel Casimero’s efforts last month are bearing fruit.

Although his six-knockdown, fourth-round knockout of Mexican Luis “Pantera” Nery was fought at a catchweight of 124 pounds in Tokoname, Japan, the major sanctioning bodies took note of his sensational win nonetheless.

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) was the first to recognize his solid showing by putting him at No. 4 in the super-bantamweight rankings manned by Naoya “Monster” Inoue.

Then the World Boxing Council (WBC) entered the scene by listing the 37-year-old knockout artist at No. 11, not in the super-bantam class of 122 pounds, but at featherweight (126 pounds).

This obviously was good news for Casimero’s camp and The Ring magazine’s regular posts about him only made it even more significant.

You see, every time The Ring posts something about Casimero, the response by its followers has been tremendous.

The engagement is also potent, making The Ring realize how popular Casimero is.

Admittedly, next to eight-division great Manny Pacquiao, Casimero is the most popular Filipino boxer.

What makes him extra-special is the fact that he is not even a world champion.

Yeah, Casimero is a three-division titleholder but he is not ranked highly.

But Casimero’s following is immense.

After mauling Nery at the Aichi Sky Expo last 6 June, Casimero was mobbed not just by Filipinos but by Japanese as well.

It’s not hard to understand why.

Casimero is a crowd-drawer because he is fearless and hits like a mule, traits that make him a force to be reckoned with.

Although I don’t believe that Inoue is afraid of him, Casimero poses serious threats to the Monster.

Given their respective track records, Inoue is going to be the betting favorite and I do totally would understand why Inoue would be such.

But Casimero, especially those who know him and watches him closely, would be smiling and grinning at the prospects of becoming “paldo” (loaded).

If ever this fight happens, I would be lining up at the sportsbook to place my bet.

I don’t normally place bets on fights, but this is one fight that I won’t dare miss betting on.