Reigning World Boxing Organization bantamweight titleholder John Riel Casimero will be facing another opponent from Africa.
MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons revealed on Monday that 2012 Olympian Duke Micah of Ghana will be Casimero’s opponent on September 26 in a pay-per-view bout, organized by Showtime and Premier Boxing Champions at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut.
Gibbons said that the 28-year-old undefeated Micah (24-0 record with 19 knockouts) will be putting Casimero in a risky situation if the Ormoc City native won't train smart or just take his opponent lightly during the fight.
“Those who have nothing to lose are the most dangerous opponents because they are coming in to win, only to win,” explained Gibbons, who refused to comment about the cancelation of the supposed unification bantamweight bout between Casimero and Japanese champion Naoya Inoue. “Nobody gave a courtesy call on everything.”
The supposed bout was postponed last April 25 in Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas due to the pandemic. It was canceled for good when Top Rank boss Bob Arum announced that they are moving in a different direction from Inoue.
Casimero (29-4 record with 20 knockouts) taunted the unbeaten Inoue (19-0 record with 16 knockouts) for not flying to the United States as early as this year, saying the Japanese was avoiding him.
Despite his frustrations, the 31-year-old Casimero vowed to maintain his superb condition and focus for the September bout — his first title defense since winning the belt over South African world champion Zolani Tete last November 30 following a thrilling third-round knockout victory in London.
Casimero has been training in Las Vegas since February, together with assistant trainer brother Jayson Casimero, Clarence Bones Adams and strength and conditioning coach Memo Heredia.