Brashna Kasi
John Riel Casimero, the Filipino boxing sensation, is facing a familiar challenge as he prepares for his upcoming fight against American Saul Sanchez. Known for his heavyweight bouts, Casimero is once again battling an issue that has plagued him throughout his career: making weight.
Weigh-In Struggles
During the official weigh-in held at the Yokohama Budokan in Japan, the former three-time world champion tipped the scales at 123 pounds, a full pound over the super-bantamweight limit of 122 pounds. Despite being given an additional two hours to lose weight, Casimero was still unable to meet the required limit, leaving him one pound heavier for the matchup. In contrast, Sanchez successfully weighed in at 121.7 pounds, putting him in compliance with the limits for this bout.
- Casimero’s weigh-in results:
– First attempt: 123 pounds
– Second attempt: 123 pounds (after two hours)
– Sanchez’s weight: 121.7 pounds
Despite the weight issue, the fight is set to proceed as planned. Casimero will wear 10-ounce gloves, and no title will be on the line. This match is part of a card arranged by Treasure Boxing Promotion 7.
A History of Weight Issues
Casimero’s weight problems are not new. They have been a constant hurdle throughout his boxing career. In a notable instance in April 2022, he lost his WBO title after failing to make weight before a title defense against Paul Butler. During that bout, he was stripped of his championship status after trying to cut weight in a sauna too close to fight time. This situation has shadowed his journey back to boxing prominence.
- Noteworthy events in Casimero’s weight challenges:
– Lost WBO title for failing to make weight before facing Paul Butler.
– Attempted weight cut led to a sauna incident that resulted in disqualification.
Recent Fight History
Casimero has faced difficulties inside the ring as well as outside of it. His last fight took place a year ago against Yukinori Oguni, which ended in a fourth-round technical draw due to an accidental clash of heads. This bout took place at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo and was notable for its abrupt stoppage.
In contrast, Saul Sanchez comes into this fight with a record of 21 wins, 3 losses and 12 knockouts. Sanchez last competed in July, securing a 10-round unanimous decision victory against Arthur Villanueva.
Looking Forward
As Casimero prepares for the ring, many are eager to see how he will perform after a long hiatus and ongoing weight challenges. His record currently stands at 33 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, with 22 of those victories coming by way of knockout. The pressure is on him to demonstrate that he can not only make weight but also reclaim his status as a top contender in the boxing world.
Boxing fans and analysts alike are keeping a close watch on this matchup. Will Casimero be able to show that he has conquered his weight issues and is ready for a return to form? Or will the scale once again become his adversary?
The Fight Ahead
The upcoming fight is significant for both boxers. For Casimero, it offers a chance to shake off the cobwebs after a year’s absence from competitive action, as well as an opportunity to once again engage with fans who have supported him throughout his career.
- Key points about the fight:
– Date: Sunday
– Location: Yokohama Budokan, Japan
– Opponent: Saul Sanchez
Fans will be eagerly anticipating the bell’s sound, hopeful that Casimero will not only meet expectations but also rise above the weight challenges that have hindered him in the past.
Conclusion
As John Riel Casimero steps into the ring, he carries with him the hopes of his supporters and the weight of his previous struggles. Whether he can turn the tide in his favor remains to be seen, but his determination to tackle both the fight and his weight will be critical in deciding the outcome of this much-anticipated bout against Saul Sanchez
