Casimero subdues Mexican for interim WBO title
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 22 Apr 2019
Johnriel Casimero didn?t risk going the distance and avoided what could?ve been a highway robbery by stopping Mexico?s No. 1 contender Ricardo Espinoza at 0:44 of the 12th round to capture the interim WBO bantamweight crown at the Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly the StubHub Center, in Carson City, California, last Saturday night (yesterday afternoon, Manila time).
Casimero, 30, decked Espinoza, 21, with an overhand right near the end of the sixth round for the first knockdown of the fight and appeared to be in control but a check on the tally sheets showed that he was behind in two of the three judges? scorecards after 10 stanzas. Entering the last round, judge Lou Moret saw it 105-103 for Casimero, judge Pat Russell 105-103 for Espinoza and judge Zachary Young 104-all.
Leaving nothing to chance, Casimero went for the kill to start the 12th. A left uppercut sent Espinoza down to the canvas but he beat referee Rudy Barragan?s count. Casimero didn?t let Espinoza off the hook and rained nine unanswered blows on the helpless Mexican until Barragan stepped in to halt the carnage.
It was a remarkable victory for Casimero who previously held the IBF lightflyweight and flyweight titles. Over a week ago, he arrived in Los Angeles about 12 pounds over the bantamweight limit and worked with former WBC lightflyweight champion Rodel Mayol at the Wild Card Gym to get ready for Espinoza. At the weigh-in last Friday, Casimero scaled 116 3/4 pounds but was visibly drained and declined media interviews. In contrast, Espinoza weighed in at 117 3/4. Mayol said he cut down the excess weight in only five days with proper nutrition.
Las Vegas international matchmaker Sean Gibbons, who arranged the fight, called Casimero ?one of the nastiest punchers in the lower weights today.? Gibbons couldn?t be at ringside as he was in Tokyo with WBA welterweight champion Sen. Manny Pacquiao for an engagement but designated his son Brendan to take care of Casimero. ?The guy?s incredible,? said Gibbons. ?You don?t find too many Filipinos winning fights in Panama, Nicaragua, Argentina, Mexico thrice, London and Beijing. He?s a road warrior. Espinoza was ranked No. 1 and due for a mandatory title shot with 20 KOs in 23 wins. But Casimero took care of business.?
Photo: Johnriel Casimero (right) lands a right on the way to halting Ricardo Espinoza in the 12th round to claim the interim WBO bantamweight title in Carson, California, last Saturday night (photo by Jhay Otamias).
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Top-ranked Charly Suarez facing Manuel Avila, plus two more fights added to July 18 ProBoxTV event
Fri, 26 Jun 2026Yanon fights Kaji in Tokyo on July 4
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 26 Jun 2026Preparations underway for 2026 IBA men’s divisional continental championships
Fri, 26 Jun 2026Highland Boxing Promotions Presents "Warrior Showdown" in Bangkok on June 27
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Usyk reportedly considering retirement but could face Kabayel before the year ends
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Luke Littler and Ben Whittaker join forces as Matchroom Sport takes over New York City
Thu, 25 Jun 2026IOC Announces $10,000 'Fit for the Future' Grant for All Qualifying Olympians, Including Boxers
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Boxers did it first: IBA President welcomes IOC’s decision on allocating funds among athletes
Thu, 25 Jun 2026PH national now ready for Asia-Oceania Sambo
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 25 Jun 2026UFC TITLE CHALLENGER IAN MACHADO GARRY JOINS MATCHROOM TALENT AGENCY AS EDDIE HEARN LAUDS 'SUPERSTAR' SIGNING
Thu, 25 Jun 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Fathers in the boxing world
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 24 Jun 2026Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan arrive for Asia & Oceania Sambo Tournament
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 24 Jun 2026Mexican Hall of Fame Legend Carlos Zarate undergoes surgery in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 24 Jun 2026IM Arca to see action in 28th Asian Youth Chess Championships 2026 in Shenzhen,China
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 24 Jun 2026Lenar Perez to Face Former Two-Time World Title Challenger Thabiso Mchunu, with Fendero-Fondjo as Co-Feature on September 3 in Montreal!
Wed, 24 Jun 2026