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:
Unbeaten John Michael Zulueta Headlines Highland Show July 25 in Thailand, LIVE on TrillerTV
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 12 Jul 2026Raquinel, Torres Make Weight for Sunday Showdown in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 11 Jul 2026Pacquiao, Briggs and Chisora share their views ahead of IBA PRO 19 in Moscow
Sat, 11 Jul 2026LICA MALLS 500 SHAW TO HOST PACQUIAO CHESS TEAM TILT
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 11 Jul 2026Canelo vs Benavidez on Cinco De Mayo 2027? Maybe.
By Ralph Rimpell, Sat, 11 Jul 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev drives global combat sports expansion with historic wrestling partnership with RAF
Sat, 11 Jul 2026July 14th Fight Card Featuring Hasim Rahman Moved to Tuesday, August 18th at ESL Ballpark in Rochester, New York
Sat, 11 Jul 2026Sem Japet Enano scores another Upset in Brisbane, Stops Tyler Blizzard in 7th
Fri, 10 Jul 2026WBO Asia Pacific super bantamweight champion Gabriel Santisima set to defend title tomorrow in Malungon, Sarangani Province
Fri, 10 Jul 2026BiYu Promotions Launches "Fights Under the Lights" with Star-Studded Card Featuring the Return of the Grandy Twins
Fri, 10 Jul 2026Full card set for ProBoxTV on July 18 in San Bernardino
Fri, 10 Jul 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev promises world-class spectacle ahead of IBA PRO 19 showdown
Fri, 10 Jul 2026Ataev-Uzcategui WBA title eliminator officials named
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 10 Jul 2026GM Joey Antonio is set to defend his titles at the upcoming sixth Gov. Henry S.Oaminal Chess Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 10 Jul 2026Triple title header in UKC slugfest on July 12
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 09 Jul 2026