Secret workouts for Casimero, foe
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 12 Jul 2021
It’s been over two weeks since WBO bantamweight champion JohnRiel Casimero began sparring at Jorge Capetillo’s gym in Las Vegas but no film is available for public viewing. Casimero is training to battle regular WBA titlist Guillermo Rigondeaux at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson City, Los Angeles County, on Aug. 14. There was a video of Rigondeaux’ workout recently leaked by his own camp but it’s not new and apparently meant to throw off Casimero. The secrecy behind their preparations has raised the level of drama in the unification Showtime fight promoted by Tom Brown under Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions.
The bout was arranged last April then Rigondeaux was replaced by WBC ruler Nonito Donaire, Jr. But after a heated war of words between Casimero and Donaire, the duel was cancelled with Rigondeaux brought back into the fray. Casimero said Rigondeaux is a tougher opponent than Donaire even as he called the fight “easy work.” Rigondeaux, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, has a 20-1 record, with 13 KOs and holds a win over Donaire. The 40-year-old Cuban is a southpaw but so was South African Zolani Tete whom Casimero disposed of in three rounds to wrest the WBO crown in Birmingham in 2019. Rigondeaux is training in Texas with Ronnie Shields.
Casimero, 31, has sparred over 30 rounds the last two weeks. Two of his sparmates were seven-time Mexican amateur champion Emiliano Vargas, 17, and unbeaten superfeatherweight Gabe Flores, Jr., 21. Vargas’ father Fernando is a Mexican ring legend and former world champion. Flores won the US Junior Open title in 2016 and has a pro record of 20-0, with 7 KOs. A fresh platoon of sparmates is being assembled for Casimero who moved to Los Angeles yesterday to work with trainer Nonoy Neri. Casimero will join super WBA welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao in morning runs.
“Mas madaling kalaban si Donaire kasi naka-stay lang siya sa harap,” said Casimero. “Si Rigo, tumatakbo kaya tatrabahuhin ko ang pag huli sa kaniya. Pero nagiba na rin ang laro ni Rigo at nakikipagsabayan na. ‘Di na ganoon ka-elusive at bumaba na ang work rate.” Age and a long career may be wearing out Rigondeaux’ legs. Whether or not Rigondeaux is a standing target, Casimero said the Cuban’s going down.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Ennis vs Stanionis: Jaron Laces Up His Boots for a Battle in Atlantic City
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 12 Apr 2025Ennis and Stanionis Hit the Scales Ahead of Saturday's Welterweight Title Clash
Sat, 12 Apr 2025Full Fight Card Announced for Sanman Boxing Show Featuring Marlon Tapales on April 27
Sat, 12 Apr 2025TONIGHTS Roy Jones Jr Card Weighin Results
Sat, 12 Apr 20252025 PHILRACOM ROAD TO TRIPLE CROWN
Sat, 12 Apr 2025Haven for Pinoy boxers
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 11 Apr 2025WEIGHTS FROM FISTS OF FURY 6 AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO HOLLYWOOD, IN HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA
Fri, 11 Apr 2025Golden State Warriors Shoot Selves on Foot, Lose to Wembanyama-less Spurs, 114-111
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 11 Apr 2025IIEE-PSME Quezon City wins three in a row in PCAP All-Filipino Cup
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 11 Apr 2025FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FOR BOOTS VS. STANIONIS IN ATLANTIC CITY
Fri, 11 Apr 2025Ramon Cardenas: “Undisputed Is The Ultimate Prize”
Fri, 11 Apr 2025Marco “El Tiburón” Romero returns to Denver this Saturday for another Rocky Mountain High
Fri, 11 Apr 2025Canadian super lightweight prospect Eric Basran Ready to make a statement competing in inaugural Riyadh Season/WBC Boxing Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia
Fri, 11 Apr 2025HALL OF FAME FLIES FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF FOR TRAINER KENNY ADAMS
Fri, 11 Apr 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS SIGNS REIGNING WBC SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION FRANCHÓN CREWS-DEZURN TO A MULTI-FIGHT DEAL
Fri, 11 Apr 2025