Boxing set for tightrope comeback
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 30 May 2020
JOHNRIEL Casimero’s triple crown world bantamweight unification fight in Las Vegas has been listed as a preferred top bout in boxing’s awaited sneak-in return to the big scene this year.
Casimero’s original April 25 showdown with sensational Japanese world champion Naoya Inoue was postponed, but has again promised to be the gem presentation by Top Rank Inc. in boxing’s planned break-in through the coronavirus pandemic.
Grand as the Inoue-Casimero bout looms, it cannot detract from the fact that boxing will continue to walk the tightrope in a bid to regain solid footing.
**
The Nevada State Athletic Commission announced it has approved two shows each by Bob Arum’s Top Rank and the UFC headed by Dana White in June.
These cards should serve as testing ground on how combat sports in Nevada could properly and safely return before settling down.
All the fights will initially be minus live attendance, with strict protocols and stringent health measures observed.
**
UFC did live shows in Jacksonville, Florida early in the month, but there’s nothing clear how it could’ve earned operational money minus a live gate.
Top Rank Inc. is similarly making a blind gamble with live fights at the empty venue in Las Vegas.
Its scheduled fights in an MGM Grand complex will be carried on ESPN, but with no live attendance.
All told, these planned fights appear to be part of a limbering period before a big leap into the big time later this year, pandemic conditions permitting.
**
Summer fights are being lined up for fighters already in the U.S. as well as those able to arrive in advance to properly quarantine and train.
Casimero, WBO bantamweight titlist, has decided to remain in Las Vegas, training with the sole purpose of fighting the unbeaten Inoue, the WBA and IBF bantamweight champion with a 19-0 card, including 16 KOs.
Sean Gibbons, MP Promotions president, said they’re waiting for Inoue’s passport to be stamped at the US Embassy in Japan for the exciting warrior to be able to enplane for Las Vegas. He said Casimero wanted no other foe than Inoue.
Akihiko Honda, Inoue’s chief handler, said the knockout artist called The Monster also wanted to fight Casimero urgently.
It promises to be a massive event, but there’s nothing clear how the expensive card could break even without a paying big audience.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Canada High: Mikaela Mayer Wins Unified Super Welterweight Crown
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Great Virtues of Champions
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Fri, 31 Oct 2025‘HAPPY’ HEAVYWEIGHT THOMPSON READY FOR PERO WAR
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Lakers Sale Approved: Mark Walter Takes Majority Stake, Ending Buss Family Era
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 31 Oct 2025SBA Season 2 Kicks Off November 10
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 31 Oct 2025History made twice over
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 31 Oct 2025ORLANDO PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND VIDEO: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID BETWEEN LENIER PERO, JORDAN THOMPSON AND UNDERCARD
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Biado, Magpantay enter last 32 round of Qatar World Cup 10-Ball
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 31 Oct 2025Shaw vs Woodward Return for the 2025 Mosconi Cup!
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Mavericks-Pistons ready for 34th NBA game in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 31 Oct 2025Stars of the show
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 30 Oct 2025CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH 2: REMATCH SEASON SET FOR DECEMBER 13 IN LOS ANGELES
Thu, 30 Oct 2025Carcosia to fight Ogawa in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 30 Oct 2025ERISLANDY LARA VS. JANIBEK ALIMKHANULY MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS STAR-STUDDED PITBULL VS. ROACH PPV UNDERCARD ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
Thu, 30 Oct 2025Santiago City in Veraguas, Panama, hosts a historic WBA world championship night
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 30 Oct 2025