As his fellow Filipino fighters continue their climb in the world rankings, three-division world champion Johnriel Casimero’s rating keeps on skidding.
Just a few months ago, he was rated within the top 10.
But nowadays, the only governing body that lists him among the top ten is the World Boxing Organization (WBO), which ranks him seventh.
The International Boxing Federation ranks him at No. 12, behind Marlon Tapales (No. 3) and Jerwin Ancajas (No. 10).
The World Boxing Council rates him at No. 11 while the World Boxing Association doesn’t even know that he exists.
Well, since he is rated within the top 15, Casimero is still eligible and qualified to fight for a world title.
But the current champion — Naoya Inoue — doesn’t even know that he is even around.
Worse, a fight with him seems to be the last thing in the world that’s going to happen given Casimero’s one-year ban by the Japan Boxing Commission.
Last time he saw action, Casimero was back in his old, devastating form against Saul Sanchez in Yokohama last October.
But the sensational second-round knockout has an asterisk attached to it.
He missed the weight and the boxing community saw that one as a blatant disregard and violation of one of boxing’s cardinal rules.
So, instead of being congratulated for his efforts, what Casimero received packed a mean wallop.
Since he is not allowed to fight in Japan, his Japanese promoter had no option but not to renew his contract with the ultra-exciting Filipino banger.
While the suspension is only in Japan, it now appears that every other commission doesn’t want to get involved with Casimero given his unpredictable nature and his not-so-enticing track record.
What a waste!
This is the guy who could send Inoue crashing to the canvas.
Time is running out.
At this point in his career, he is in dire need of help.
If he doesn’t get a fight in 2025, he’d become extinct.