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:
Laurente remains undefeated, TKOs Aguan in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 14 Jun 2026Foundation stone laid for the first-ever IBA arena in Dushanbe
Sun, 14 Jun 2026Jerick Faeldonia Wins One Chess Movement Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 14 Jun 2026Bam Rodriguez vs Antonio Vargas & Martinez vs Cardenas Preview and Picks
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 13 Jun 2026Popper vs. Seldon Jr. Official Weights for June 13 in Atlantic City
Sat, 13 Jun 2026GLENDALE, AZ FIGHT WEEK: OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR BAM VS VARGAS – LIVE ON DAZN
Sat, 13 Jun 2026Undefeated Middleweight Amir Anderson Meets Jonas Sylvain in Battle of Unbeatens on DAZN
Sat, 13 Jun 2026Munsayac, Celones get FMA award
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 13 Jun 2026Weigh-In Results for Sanman 101: Laurente Eyes Home Victory
Fri, 12 Jun 2026Arleah Cassandra Sapuan of Valencia, Negros finishes ninth in Las Vegas chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 12 Jun 2026EVERY WORD FROM THE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE AHEAD OF BAM VS. VARGAS IN GLENDALE, ARIZONA
Fri, 12 Jun 2026IBA President warns Olympic movement will fade unless IOC rewards athletes and reforms now
Fri, 12 Jun 20262026 NBA Finals: Knicks Rally from 29 Points Down to Steal Game 4 from Spurs 107-106
By Reylan Loberternos, Thu, 11 Jun 2026VARGAS: BEATING BAM MAKES ME ‘THE MAN’
Thu, 11 Jun 2026Pound-for-Pound Puerto Rican Champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo Hosts Media Workout Ahead of June 20 Defense Against Philippines’ Joey Canoy
Thu, 11 Jun 2026