Filipino boxer John Riel Casimero got his first-round TKO victory in Japan, but at a cost.
John Riel Casimero won in dominant fashion in Japan, beating his opponent Saul Sanchez via a first-round technical knockout on Sunday, October 13. But it came at a cost, as the Filipino boxer was suspended by the Japan Boxing Commission because of weight issues.
The JBC made the decision public on Wednesday, October 16, including Casimero on the list of athletes banned for a year. The Filipino was cited for "contract default" due to surpassing the weight limit.
Recall that the former three-division world champion faced weight troubles before the fight with Sanchez.
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During the October 12 weigh-in, he was listed at 56.3 kilograms or 124 pounds, a kilo over the limit (122 pounds).
He was still over, at 55.9 kilograms (123.2 pounds), in asecond attempt two hours later.
Based on the Japan Boxing Commission rules and as discussed by both camps, Casimero was given another chance with a weigh-in on the morning of fight day. He managed to clear the agreed-upon weight of 128 pounds. The non-title bout was given the green light.
Casimero is now at 34 wins (23 coming from knockouts), four losses, and one draw.