CASIMERO?S TRIBULATION AND TRIUMPH
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 24 Feb 2012
Johnriel Casimero?s resolute stand against all odds mirrors the lives of the Filipino boxers. He had a 1 win ? 2 loss record in his last three fights. He had to travel across different time zones and face a former world champion in his own back yard. After his losses to Ramon Garcia Hirales in Mexico and Moruthi Mthalane in South Africa, local boxing pundits wondered if he was mentally prepared for another road battle.
Then news broke out that his younger brother died before he left for Argentina. But Casimero remained steadfast. His win and the post-fight riot ensured that Casimero?s name was on every Filipino newspaper and television news program. The riot sparked an uproar, not only from the fans and boxing writers, but from Games and Amusements Board, the Halls of the Senate and the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Argentinian Ambassador to the Philippines, Joaquin Otero, has since apologized for the incident.
Casimero returned with a heavy heart to his hometown of Ormoc City last weekend to attend his brother?s burial.
But blessings have also started to trickle down for Casimero. He is enjoying his new found ?celebrity status? and has met with high ranking government officials including Cong. Lucy Torres-Gomez (4th district ? Leyte) in Ormoc during his courtesy call in his hometown.
Casimero,along with his parents and sister, met the very popular Congresswoman who promised to give him some financial reward for his success as well as bills to benefit Pinoy boxers.
But Casimero?s success is a rarity, not just in boxing, but in Philippine society as a whole.
There are many Filipino boxers like Casimero, who have to fight abroad with minimal support. Not all of them win. Most fans don?t care if they read news stories about Filipino journeymen losing in Thailand or Japan. But these boxers leave the country knowing that only through their fists can they get a chance for a better life.
Two boxers from Casimero?s home base, the Omega Boxing Gym of Cebu - Jack Tepora and Daryl Pucdol - will be receiving citations during the 30th Cebu Sports Awards for winning gold medals in last year?s Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) National Championships in Misamis Oriental.
They too have their own dreams to chase when they turn pro.
I was happy to learn a couple of weeks ago that a medical laboratory here in Cebu City was offering a cheap lab tests ? a package of tests that boxers need to renew their license ? worth around 500 pesos. One hospital offered a brain CT scan for less than 3,000 pesos, which is helpful for boxers who need to have this test.
I mentioned this because I am still hoping that something positive can come out from the ring death of Karlo Maquinto.
There are many boxers who do not belong to big boxing stables, who are not funded by rich managers and promotional companies. Boxing fans who saw episodes of last year?s BUHAY BOKSINGERO know what I am talking about. The majority of four round preliminary boxers live in squalid conditions.
We need to do more. The powers that be need to do more. Waving the flag and screaming that Manny Pacquiao is the world?s best boxer will not make you a better Filipino.
Going back to Casimero, he will be the IBF?s interim light flyweight champion until the injured ?champion in recess? Ulises Solis makes a return to the ring; Solis has to fight him or Casimero will be recognized the regular champion.
Once he returns to the gym, Casimero will have to work hard to continue winning. He is fighting at a time when Pacquiao has set the bar for excellence so high. Casimero is also training in Cebu City, long acknowledged as the country?s boxing capital.
He has to compete for attention not just with the very discriminating fans, but with the sports media as well. Cebu is home to some of the biggest names in Philippine boxing. Three major Filipino promoters are based in this city. There are traditions and standards to maintain. But we can always do better.
(Top photo - Casimero with Cong. Lucy Torres-Gomez)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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