RELEVANT once again, former world champion Johnriel Casimero has one major fighter on his wish list for 2026.
The Filipino fighter wants to have a shot at fellow former world title holder Luis Nery of Mexico.
The 36-year-old Casimero mentioned his desire to face the 31-year-old Mexican following his successful comeback fight in Japan where he destroyed Mizokoshi Tomu in five rounds at the Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname last week.
READ: Johnriel Casimero destroys Japanese foe in five rounds
Both Casimero and Nery are handled by Japan-based Kameda Promotions, giving the controversial three-time world champion hopes of facing the Mexican.
“Ngayon kasi nasa isang team kami ni Luis Nery. Kaya sana maibigay sa akin si Luis Nery sa next fight or kung kalian siya mai-bigay. Hopefully soon,” said Casimero.
Nery, who holds a record of 37-2 with 28 KOs, is coming off a fifth round technical decision against Thai Sathaporn Saart in Bishkek, Arena in Kyrgyzstan last October 26 in his debut at featherweight.
Under the same card, Casimero fought and lost via unanimous decision against Kyonosuke Kameda, a Japanese fighter Nery incidentally, defeated via a seventh round stoppage in a non-title bout last February in Mexico.
But the win over Tomu gave Casimero (35-5-1, with 24 KOs) the confidence he can take on and fight Nery toe-to-toe.
Besides, the brash-talking fighter from Merida, Leyte doesn’t want opportunity to slip away again from his hands.
Back in 2020, Casimero then fighting out of MP Promotions, was set to face unified bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue in an expected explosive bout in Las Vegas.
Inoue was under Top Rank Promotions, which has a pleasant relationship with MP Promotions.
But following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fight was shelved and never revisited again.
Worse, the Casimero camp had a falling out with MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons that further dimmed what was once one of boxing’s most awaited fight.
Now Casimero hopes history doesn’t repeat itself especially with him and Nery belonging under one stable.
“Ibigay ba yung mga alas ni Kameda. Maglaban na yung mga alas na boxers niya,” said the Filipino.
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