THE hero’s welcome given International Boxing Federation flyweight champion Johnreil Casimero by the Games and Amusements Board will be featured on the top-rating Viva Sports’ weekly boxing show “The Main Event” this Saturday at 8:30 p.m. on Pinoy Box Office over Sky Cable with a replay on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.
The welcome, which was unprecedented, was an innovation by newly appointed GAB chairman Abraham Mitra, son of the illustrious former speaker of the House of Representatives, the late Ramon Mitra.
Chairman Mitra, boxing division chief Dr. Nasser Cruz and GAB employees gave Casimero a rousing welcome, when he entered the office last Monday afternoon.
Music, confetti and cheers of “Cas-I-Mero! Cas-I Mero!” greeted the champion nicknamed “The Road Warrior.
Casimero returned after a dominating 10th-round TKO over previously unbeaten British champion Charlie Edwards.
The new GAB Chairman said President Rody Duterte was the good luck charm as besides Casimero retaining his title, Marlon Tapales won the WBO bantamweight title with a stunning 11th-round knockout of Pungluang Sor Singyu of Thailand and WBO super flyweight Jerwin Ancajas pulled off a dominating victory over Puerto Rico’s champion McJoe Arroyo.
Also on the program, Viva Sports provides a preview of Donnie Nietes’ showdown with Mexico’s No. 4-ranked flyweight Edgar Sosa in the first venture of Nietes, the longest-reigning Filipino world champion, who relinquished his light flyweight title to campaign in the 112 pound division.