Pinoy boxer John Riel Casimero loses world title bid in Thailand

Unbeaten IBF world flyweight champion Amnat Ruenroeng successfully defended his crown for the fourth time by defeating his Filipino challenger John Riel Casimero in an ugly affair on Saturday in Bangkok, Thailand.

Though not known for packing power in his punches, the 35-year-old defending champion managed to secure a knockdown after he caught Casimero with a right hand in round two.

Casimero appeared to have scored a knockdown for himself in round three, but it was ruled as a slip by the referee.

The bout was marred with excessive clinching by Ruenroeng, making the contest look like a professional wrestling match in many instances, prompting a point deduction from the champion in round 11.

In the end, Ruenroeng's roughhousing game plan was too much for the Filipino to overcome, winning the fight by unanimous decision after twelve rounds of boxing.

"Amnat fought the perfect fight," Ruenroeng's Filipino trainer Aljoe Jaro told GMA News Online shortly after the bout.

The win improved Ruenroeng's record to 16-0 with 5 knockouts while the Leyte native Casimero fell to 21-3 with 13 knockouts. - RAF, GMA News