Veteran analyst warns John Riel Casimero about his intention to switch handlers

Veteran boxing analyst Ed Tolentino has given a reminder to WBO world bantamweight world champion John Riel Casimero that he has to be vigilant when signing new contracts.

News recently circulated online that Casimero is seeking the services of respected boxing manager Egis Klimas, who is responsible for handling top-tier fighters such as Vasyl Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk.

Casimero is signed with MP Promotions but has been at odds with the company's president Sean Gibbons. It can also be remembered that the boxer was in the middle of a breach of contract lawsuit in 2020 that involved his manager, retired world champion Morris East.

"What I can advise him is be careful when signing contracts because he's had that problem before with Morris East. This is an advice to all to not just easily sign contracts because there is a corresponding responsibility," said the lawyer and boxing expert Tolentino.

"If he is not technically not bounded by any other contract which offers similar nature or terms, go ahead. But if he knows for a fact that there is another contract and he is signing another contract that is basically the same, that is a legal issue."

According to Tolentino, the 32-year-old from Ormoc City can do without the nuisances that would hound him should the boxer find himself in the middle of a lawsuit. After all, a contract dispute between handlers can prevent Casimero from stepping inside the ring.

"What can happen is if he is going to fight, the other party can ask for a TRO (temporary restraining order) so that it does not happen," Tolentino said.

"It is your right to get the best handlers, but Sean Gibbons has been saying all along that you are under contract. I just hope everything is clear before he signs."

—MGP, GMA News