Casimero risks IBF title

Johnreil Casimero won’t hesitate to deliver the lethal blow as soon as he sees the opening when he defends the International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight crown against British challenger Charlie Edwards this morning in London.

“I won’t go in there trying to knock him out but I will try my best to end it early,” said Casimero after weighing in at 111.6 lbs during the official weighin on the eve of the scheduled 12-rounder set to take place at the O2 Arena.

Jhun Agrabio, Casimero’s cornerman, insists the Filipino champion will exercise caution in dealing with Edwards, who tipped in at 111.5 lbs.

“It’ll be foolish to think about knocking out the opponent because the knockout presents itself and you don’t force it,” said Agrabio, who has been presiding over the tapering off period the last six days.

Casimero enters the ring with a 22-3 record with 14 KOs, while Edwards, said to be too raw to fight for a world title, parades an 8-0 card with three KOs.

Casimero was compelled to travel anew owing to the lack of local support not just from TV outfits but from Philippine-based promoters.

But Casimero has been accustomed to fighting on hostile ground, having seen action in Mexico (twice), Panama, Thailand, South Africa, China and Argentina.

Casimero had won the IBF 112-lb diadem with a smashing knockout of Thailand’s Amnat Ruenroeng in Beijing.