Boxing: Casimero retains IBF light flyweight title with decision over Rios

Johnriel Casimero has gotten it done on the road yet again.

Casimero, from Ormoc City, made the second successful defense of his IBF light flyweight title with a unanimous decision victory over local favorite Luis Alberto Rios, Saturday night (Sunday, PHL time) at the Megapolis Convention Center in Panama City, Panama.

Two judges scored it 119-109, while a third had it 118-110 for the defending titleholder.

The 23-year-old Casimero (18-2, 10 knockouts) has now fought in six different foreign nations since turning professional in 2007. He won the title last July with a tenth round technical knockout of former titleholder Luis Lazarte in Argentina, touching off an ugly riot.

[Related: Newly crowned champ Casimero attacked by angry Argentine fans]

Casimero is represented by Filipino promoter Sammy Gello-ani and international matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz.

For a second time in as many clashes, John Mark Apolinario and Roberto Vasquez failed to determine a winner - or an interim WBA bantamweight titleholder. Apolinario (17-2-3, 4 KOs) of Sarangani, and Vasquez (32-5-2, 22 KOs) of Panama City, battled to a split decision draw in the co-featured bout, with one judge having it 116-112 for Apolinario, another 116-112 for Vasquez and the third having it 115-115 even.

The two fought to a majority draw in November. - RAF, GMA News


Ryan Songalia is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) and contributes to GMA News. He is also a member of The Ring ratings panel and can be reached at ryan@ryansongalia.com. An archive of his work can be found here. Follow him on Twitter too.