Filipino boxer John Riel Casimero (right) fights Cuban pug Guillermo Rigondeaux during their WBO bantamweight title 12 round bout at Dignity Health Sports Park on August 14, 2021 (August 15 in Manila) in Carson, California. AFP PHOTOFilipino boxer John Riel Casimero defeated the evasive Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux via split decision to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight title on Sunday (Philippine time) at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Casimero said in the post-fight interview he wanted to win by way of knockout but couldn't do it, as Rigondeaux kept on running. "I know Rigondeaux is a boring fighter but I'm surprised because he was always running," added Casimero in the post-fight press conference. With this victory, Casimero wants to face fellow Filipino Nonito Donaire, who holds the World Boxing Council (WBC) belt and Japanese Naoya Inoue, who sports the World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) titles as his next opponents.

Source: Manila Times August 15, 2021 12:22 UTC