On May 13, 2023, the boxing world witnessed an exhilarating homecoming bout as John Riel Casimero triumphed over Fillipus Nghitumbwa to secure the WBO Global Super Bantamweight Title. The showdown took place at the renowned Okada Manila in Paranaque City, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already electric atmosphere.
Right from the opening bell, Casimero displayed his determination by aggressively launching a barrage of punches with undeniable force. Nghitumbwa, to his credit, proved himself to be a formidable underdog, showing resilience and refusing to back down. However, his valiant efforts were eventually overshadowed by a devastating left hook from Casimero in the sixth round, sending him crashing to the canvas.
Reflecting on the intense encounter, Casimero acknowledged Nghitumbwa’s durability, admitting that he had underestimated his opponent’s ability to absorb punishing blows.
“He took all my body shots and shook it off. As early as the first round I thought to myself, he is a durable guy,” said Casimero. “I tried to finish him early but did not want to be overconfident because he was prepared for the fight. I was surprised. I was getting hit with a jab because of his reach though he did not land easily because I see his punches.”
Despite being knocked down, Nghitumbwa displayed remarkable resilience and managed to beat the count, persevering until the final bell. However, he suffered a setback in the second round when a point was deducted for striking Casimero behind the head. When the scorecards were revealed, all three judges unanimously declared Casimero as the winner, with scores of 116-110, 116-110, and 114-112 after twelve grueling rounds.
The event was jointly organized by Treasure Boxing Promotion and Johnny Elorde Management International, who worked in collaboration to ensure the success of the highly anticipated show. Encouraged by the overwhelming attendance and positive reception, both parties expressed their intent to continue co-promoting future events, further enhancing the sport of boxing for fans worldwide.
