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:
Collazo vs. Valdez Final Press Conference Quotes
Fri, 19 Jun 2026Alex Eala beats World No.2 Elena Rybakina
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 19 Jun 2026Undefeated Cuban Middleweight Pedro Veitia Scores Electrifying Stoppage of Previously Unbeaten Taiwo Afolabi
Fri, 19 Jun 2026Riyadh Season boxing events will stream free starting in November
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 19 Jun 2026Heavyweight Contender Gustavo "The Cuban Assassin" Trujillo Returns June 28 in Main Event of "Fist of Fury 11"
Fri, 19 Jun 2026DC Eagles routs Perfect, 5-1 in R5
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 19 Jun 2026PCCI Las Piñas Leaders to Visit Lipa for the June 20 JCI Rapid Chess Tournament
Fri, 19 Jun 2026Engr. Allan Anthony Alvarez eyes five squads in JCI Senate Lipa 3X3 Open Rapid Chess Tournament on June 20
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 19 Jun 2026PACHECO CLASHES WITH ALEEM ON STACKED LA CARD
Thu, 18 Jun 2026Rising Mexican Contender Neider Valdez Steps in to Face Pound-for-Pound Puerto Rican Champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo in WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Minimumweight World Championship Fight
Thu, 18 Jun 2026Sumabong to defend WBO title against undefeated Taiwanese on July 11 in Bohol
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 17 Jun 2026Jordan Orozco Remains Perfect with Dominant Third-Round TKO of Fernando Diaz on MVP/Boxlab Card in Orlando
Wed, 17 Jun 2026Floyd Mayweather Jr could face charges of fraud in Las Vegas
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 17 Jun 2026EDDIE HEARN SIGNS DIVINE OMOJOR FOR MATCHROOM BOXING ON LONG-TERM DEAL AS NEWCASTLE TEENAGE CRUISERWEIGHT TURNS PRO
Wed, 17 Jun 2026DC Trail Ultra on July 26 in Calinan
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 17 Jun 2026