REIGNING WORLD Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight world champion Johnriel Casimero just smiled when Cuban two-time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux chose the other Filipino world champion – World Boxing Council (WBC) bantamweight titleholder Nonito Donaire Jr. – as the better fighter over him.
Casimero said though his upcoming foe will have a change of belief soon.
“[Guillermo] Rigondeaux thinks that Donaire is a better fighter than me, so I’m going to change his opinion on August 14,” Casimero told the media during an online news conference on Thursday, noting he will retire the current regular World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight titleholder too.
“When I beat Rigondeaux on August 14, he’s going to retire. He’s finished. Finito!”
He is hoping the 40-year-old Rigondeaux (20-1 win-loss record with 13 knockouts) will be coming to fight at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson City.
“We don’t underestimate anybody. I know that he’s a great fighter, a two-division champion and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist. I want to do my best. I prepare very well for every fight. I just hope Rigondeaux leaves his bicycle at home and brings his boxing shoes and comes to fight. I know he’s preparing for this fight with hard work too.”
He also said he was no longer affected by the change of opponent from Rigondeaux to Donaire, and now back to Rigondeaux. “I don’t care who they put in the ring in front of me. I’m ready and prepared for Rigondeaux,” Casimero (30-4 record with 21 knockouts) said.
Rigondeaux, on the other hand, belittled the punching power of the 32-year-old fighter from Ormoc City.
“I’m not worried about Casimero’s power or anything he brings. I have fought in three divisions and I’ve gone after the biggest challenges every time. I’m just not worried about what Casimero will do in the ring,” Rigondeaux said.
His response to Casimero’s challenge to go toe-to-toe: “It’s simple to me. Casimero is going to do his job and I’m going to do mine. We’ll both bring our ‘A-games’ and see who comes out on top on August 14.”
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