Sultan takes on Casimero in IBF title eliminator
AN all-Filipino showdown that hardcore boxing fans have been clamoring for in the past few months is finally happening.
However, it won’t be the Jhack Tepora vs. Jeo Santisima fight that has been making a buzz lately, but a more intriguing matchup between two-division world champion Johnriel Casimero and up-and-comer Jonas Sultan.
Casimero and Sultan will be in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight title eliminator in the triple-header Pinoy Pride 42 on Sept. 16 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino.
“It was ordered by the IBF, it was either we pass on it or not. Jonas deserves it. With two Filipinos involved in a title eliminator, it will
bring Philippine boxing to the next level,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer yesterday at the St. Mark Hotel. Casimero is ranked No. 3 in the IBF super flyweight division, while Sultan is rated No. 8.
“We reached out when we saw the chance with IBF’s No. 1 position,” said Aldeguer. The winner of the Casimero vs. Sultan eliminator becomes the No. 1 contender to IBF super flyweight titleholder Jerwin Ancajas in an all-Filipino world title fight that has not been done in 92 years.
The last time two Filipinos fought for a world title was when Pancho Villa fought Clever Sencio for the world flyweight title in 1925.
“This fight had to happen because of the significance. This is a significant fight, then we haveto make it happen. That’s how it should be,” said Aldeguer. “It’s an obligation to the fans, obligation to the public to make great fights here.”
Since winning the IBF flyweight crown with an emphatic fourth-round knockout of Amnat Ruenroeng in their rematch last year, Casimero defended his belt with a 10th-round stoppage of Charlie Edwards. After that, he relinquished his belt to move up in weight.
Casimero went for a nine-month hiatus before winning by unanimous decision against Jecker Buhawi in a sixrounder to keep himself busy.
Sultan had a breakthrough year in 2016, winning the IBF InterContinental super flyweight title with a second-round technical knockout of Makazole Tete.
He followed that up with an impressive eighth-round knockout of former world champion Sonny Boy Jaro just last May.
“Heart and power, you can’t teach both, and Jonas has that. If he beats Casimero, then he’ll be one of the biggest fighters from the Philippines. If Casimero beats him then it’s good because Casimero is up there and it also gives us a chance to showcase him in Pinoy Pride,” said Aldeguer.
Aldeguer is also hoping to promote the world title fight between Ancajas and the winner of the Casimero vs. Sultan fight.
Casimero is 24-3 with 15 knockouts, while Sultan is 13-3 with nine knockouts. The main event features IBF light flyweight king Milan Melindo’s first title defense against former world champion Hekkie Budler.