INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation (IBF) light-flyweight champion Johnriel Casimero is aiming for a knockout win against Panamanian challenger Luis Alberto Rios when he puts his title on the line at the Megapolis Convention Center in Panama City this Sunday (Manila time).
Manager Sammy Gello-ani told Spin.ph in an overseas call that Casimero himself wants nothing more than a knockout against his 23-year-old opponent.
“He wants a knockout, and it can be realized. Pag pumasok si Rios at naging aggressive, I’m sure a knockout will happen,” said Gello-ani, optimistic that Rios’ rival is tailor-fit for the style of the Filipino champion.
“If you notice, matangkad si Rios. Mas maganda kay Johnriel yun. Kung tutuusin parang ordinary opponent lamang sa kanya `yung challenger niya,” added the Cebuano promoter.
Gello-ani likewise, dispelled concerns that Casimero will have a hard time fighting Rios owing to the challenger’s tendency to backpedal during a fight.
“Kahit umatras si Rios, alam na ni Johnriel ang gagawin. Napag-handaan na namin yun, we’re ready to take on whatever our opponent will give,” added Gello-ani.
Meanwhile, the champion is now just a shade above the 108-lbs limit with less than a day before the official weigh-in for the 12-round title clash.
“Wala nang problema sa timbang si Johnriel, madali na niyang ipagpag yung extra pound,” Gello-ani said.
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