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:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 MAY 2026: Usyk Defeats Verhoeven in Controversial Stoppage; Catterall UD Giyasov; Hiruta Beats Soliman; Sanchez KOs Torrez; Jones Stops Gualtieri
By Eric Armit, Tue, 26 May 2026WBC #14 Bryan Flores Takes on Jonathan Navarro in 10-round Super Lightweight Main Event on ProBoxTV, Sat., July 18, at NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, Calif.
Tue, 26 May 2026Villarosa retains PH Youth super fly crown
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 26 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Earns Six More Wins on Day Eight at 2026 Copa America
Tue, 26 May 2026It’s time for blue-chip prospect Marco Romero to sign with top promoter
Tue, 26 May 2026General Trias Team All Set for International Chess Meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 26 May 2026Rosas wins PH superfly crown in first fight
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 25 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Spurs Shackle Thunder 103-82 in Game 4 of West Finals
By Reylan Loberternos, Mon, 25 May 2026Paciones defeats Laspoña, retains WBO Oriental flyweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 25 May 2026Results from Panama City
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 25 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Improves Strong Copa America Showing with 8 win Day
Mon, 25 May 2026Benilde Blazers wins Antipolo 2x2 chess team tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 25 May 2026Floyd Mayweather Jr files $175 million lawsuit against former associates and advisors
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 24 May 2026Christian Mbilli will defend his WBC super middleweight world title against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on September 12 in Saudi Arabia!
Sun, 24 May 2026Toro Promotions’ Trio victorious in Mexico
Sun, 24 May 2026