Second Overtime: John Riel Casimero's hunt for a Japanese "Monster" continues
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 26 Jun 2020
Team Casimero.
CHICAGO --- After wresting the WBO bantamweight title with a sensational third-round TKO over Zolani Tete last November 30 in Birmingham, England, John Riel Casimero has gotten insatiably hungrier.
And a lot greedier.
Unsatisfied with just one belt, he wants to solidify his rule of the 118-pound division by seeking a unification bout with Naoy Inoue (19-0, 16 KOs), the IBF and WBA title-holder nicknamed "Monster" for his savage history of violence.
Wish granted.
Top Rank, Inoue's promoter in the U.S., quickly arranged the unification war, a surefire pay-per-view blockbuster, last April 25.
And then the coronavirus pandemic swept across the world. And in the words of Manny Pacquiao Promotions president Sean Gibbons: "the world went to hell."
But now, as boxing starts to open its doors for business with a bubble inside the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, the 5-foot-4 pride of Ormoc City in the Philippines just got a little more giddy, his punches carrying an extra, malicious zip during workouts.
Since leaving Miami, where he trained for the original April fight date, Casimero and his team ---- which is composed of chief trainer Noynoy Neri, co-trainer Sugar Lucas, strength and conditioning coach Memo Heredia and John Riel's brother, Jason ---- have all converged in Sin City.
Their base of operation lies in a quiet stretch along Horseshoe Cliff Avenue, a nifty McMansion that sits just eight miles and 13 minutes away from the world-famous Vegas strip.
The spectacular abode has four bedrooms and three full bathrooms. A full kitchen with ceramic tiles services the champ's culinary needs while a laundry room is nestled idly in the upper level.
Outside, the splendor spills.
There is a giant pool to rinse the sweat of a hard day's work or to wash the doldrums away. A nice barbecue grill is tucked harmlessly in a corner where Neri repeatedly showcases his master grilling skills.
Casimero relaxes in the balcony overlooking the swimming pool.
More often than not, Pompano fish is the feast of choice. Tenderloin beef, which is a rich source of protein for the champ, is also a grill menu favorite.
Make no mistake, boredom and melancholy occasionally sets in, even when one is living inside the four walls of a decadent palace. After all, being quarantined and deprived of some personal liberties can be immensely challenging.
But John Riel and Team Casimero have risen above those inconveniences.
Casimero does the mitts with Nonoy Neri.
"He is staying sharp and focused," Gibbons, who oversees this entire championship camp, told this writer.
And that's no surprise.
Gibbons is a reputable and highly-respected five-star promoter and international matchmaker.
He expects nothing less.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 3 November 2025: Mayer Outpoints Spencer to Unify 154 Belts; Buatsi's Controversial Win Over Parker; Pero Outpoints Thompson; Thrilla in Manila at 50 Results
By Eric Armit, Tue, 04 Nov 2025Marcial-Colmenares Middleweight Bout Steals Show at Thrilla in Manila 50th Year (Part 1)
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 04 Nov 2025MATCHROOM BOXING ANNOUNCES HISTORIC ‘LIVE FROM GHANA’ EVENT FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 AS CRAIG RICHARDS AND DAN AZEEZ COLLIDE IN ACCRA – LIVE WORLDWIDE ON DAZN
Tue, 04 Nov 2025Bryce Mills Defeats James Bernadin By Unanimous Decision
Mon, 03 Nov 2025NBA Daily: Wembanyama Struggles as Suns Give Spurs First Loss 130-118
By Reylan Loberternos, Mon, 03 Nov 2025Oklahoma City Thunder the only undefeated NBA Team
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 03 Nov 2025RP Blu Boys Close Out Strong with Unbeaten Record in Japan Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 03 Nov 2025Pero Outlasts Thompson in Orlando, Secures Unanimous Decision Victory
Mon, 03 Nov 2025Jonas Magpantay Crowned Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Champion
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 03 Nov 2025Jonas Magpantay reaches Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Finals
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 02 Nov 2025Pistons defeated Mavericks in NBA Game 34 in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 02 Nov 2025GM Antonio finishes 14th in World Senior Standard event
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 02 Nov 2025NONITO DONAIRE FIGHTS SEIYA TSUTSUMI FOR THE WBA BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sun, 02 Nov 2025Luka Dončić Equals Wilt Chamberlain’s Historic Scoring Feat
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 02 Nov 2025THRILLA IN MANILA II RESULTS: JERUSALEM, TAPALES, MARCIAL LEAD WINNERS
By Eric Armit, Sun, 02 Nov 2025