Ramirez Arrives in the Philippines For Casimero WBO Clash, "I want that Belt"
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 18 Aug 2019
MANILA, Philippines -- Mexican challenger Cesar "Perico" Ramirez (18-3, 11 KO's) and his team arrived Saturday here in the Philippines ahead of his world title battle against experienced Filipino 3-division champion John Riel Casimero (27-4, 18 KO's), a battle set for next Saturday, August 24, in Malate, Metro Manila.
Taller than the Filipino, Ramirez, comes to the land of Manny Pacquiao, with the mission of dethroning the tough Casimero, 30, who makes first title defense of his interim WBO Bantamweight Belt.
"I am delighted to be here in the Philippines. I came here because I like Filipino boxing, and because I want Casimero's belt. And I will get it," assured Ramirez, 31, at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Though the job is a tough one.
Casimero -- who has reigned as 108, 112 and now 118 pounds interim champion -- comes from an exciting last round knockout win over tough and young Tijuana slugger Ricardo Espinoza Franco (23-3, 20 KO's) last April in Carson, CA; and the protege of Manny Pacquiao wants scalping more Mexicans.
Ramirez of Tepic, Nayarit, has been in recent years battling at 122 lbss, currently reigning as FECOMBOX super bantamweight champion.
Before going out for a work out. From L to R: Martinez, Gibbons, Ramirez, Costa and Bracamontes.
His war against Casimero is his first one at 118 since Ramirez fought Ryan Burnett (20-1, 10 KO's) three years ago in Leeds, England. Coming down in weight could be a trouble for Ramirez? His fans hope not.
Ramirez is in the Philippines together with his manager Victor "Vitoques" Martinez and his coach Francisco "Yiyo" Bracamontes.
Later in the evening, the Mexicans were greeted at their Manila hotel by promoter/matchmaker former boxer Sean Gibbons, president of Pacquiao's MP Promotions.
Gibbons, 52, has planned a presser to introduce Cesar Ramirez to the Filipino sports media. The activity is set for tomorrow, Sunday, August 18 at 11:30 am at "Plaza Mexico," a historic riverside square here in Manila.
The square was named Plaza de Mexico during the celebrations of the Year of Mexican-Philippine Friendship in 1964.
The Casimero vs Ramirez rumble for the interim WBO Bantamweight belt at San Andres Sports Complex in Metro Manila is a production of MP Promotions in association with Filipino TV channel ABS CBN, Raides J Neri and JC Manangquil's Sanman Promotions.
May the Best Man Win!
The author Carlos Costa is a Panama boxing reporter based in the Philippines. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Full Card to Join Taduran Vs. Perez on Friday, April 3, at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. Live on ESPN Knockout
Tue, 31 Mar 202613-0 prospect Marco Romero hasn’t lost a Fight in nearly 7 years and he’s only 20
Tue, 31 Mar 2026WORLD ELITE SUMO ANNOUNCES NEW DATE – SATURDAY, MAY 16 – FOR LIVE PROFESSIONAL SUMO EVENT AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER
Tue, 31 Mar 2026Filipino boy, 15, wins US chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 31 Mar 202660 Years of Top Rank: Bob Arum’s First Fight Launched a Boxing Empire
Mon, 30 Mar 2026Lebron James and son Bronny make NBA History
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 30 Mar 2026Bryan Acosta Wins WBA Continental Americas Featherweight Championship with Unanimous Decision over Ronny Rios in Main Event of ProBoxTV from Thunder Studios in Long Beach
Sun, 29 Mar 2026Filipino boy, 9, wins in Canada chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 29 Mar 2026Vagabov and Ziyaev crowned champions at IBA Bare Knuckle 4 in Saint Petersburg
Sun, 29 Mar 2026Sherwin Tiu captures Kamatyas Open Chess crown
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 29 Mar 2026Fundora vs Thurman: Can Keith Thurman Shake Off The Rust?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 28 Mar 2026Albert Ramirez Against Lerrone Richards for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight World Title on June 4 in Montreal!
Sat, 28 Mar 2026GM Daniel Quizon is the Favorite in 19th Kamatyas
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 28 Mar 2026Weights From ‘Acosta vs. Rios’ Event from Thunder Studios in Long Beach, Calif., and Broadcast live on ProBoxTV
Sat, 28 Mar 2026Mauricio Sulaiman: WBC maintains priority of the defense of fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 28 Mar 2026