WBO names mandatory challenger to John Riel Casimero

The prospective all-Filipino unification between WBC world bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. and WBO world bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero is facing yet another roadblock.

The World Boxing Organization ordered a mandatory defense for Casimero against Paul Butler of the United Kingdom.

"The WBO World Championship Committee hereby orders the parties herein commencement of negotiations for the above-mentioned WBO Bantamweight Mandatory Championship Contest. Please be advised that the parties have twenty (20) days upon receipt of this letter to reach an agreement," the WBO wrote in a statement.

Butler, who holds a record of 33-2 with 15 knockouts, had challenged twice for a world title in his career but lost them both. Despite winning his last three fights, his unknown opponents held a dismal combined record of 39-77-6.

Casimero and Donaire were supposed to fight last month but the latter opted to withdraw after he felt "disrespected" by the pre-fight antics of Team Casimero.

Donaire has also been ordered by the WBC to face his mandatory challenger and fellow Filipino Reymart Gaballo.

—MGP, GMA News