The WBO has ordered champion Zolani Tete to face interim champion John Riel Casimero. The sanctioning body gave the two 90 days to fight after Casimero’s August 24th victory over Cesar Ramirez and Frank W claims that negotiations are underway.
Casimero (28-4, 19 KOs), a former Flyweight champion who owns a knockout victory over Charlie Edwards, got an unprompted crack at the interim belt that wound up being needed when Tete (28-3, 21 KOs) injured his shoulder ahead of his WBSS semifinal bout with Nonito Donaire. Casimero knocked out Ricardo Espinoza Franco for the belt, then did the same to Ramirez in his first defense.
The difference in dimensions is rather staggering; Casimero stands 5’4” with a 64” reach compared to the 5’9” Tete’s 72” reach. Still, the Filipino veteran can fight, and Tete’s rust and recovery process could give “Last Born” issues.
Shame Tete against Inoue never happened in the WBSS. Thou Inoue probably would have done a job on him, I can't remember why tete pulled out the competition?...... injured I am guessing.
Glass Joe wrote: ↑06 Sep 2019, 12:29
Shame Tete against Inoue never happened in the WBSS. Thou Inoue probably would have done a job on him, I can't remember why tete pulled out the competition?...... injured I am guessing.
We missd out on Tete against anyone!
Burnett, Donaire and Inoue.
Although there is a chance they're now building towards a Tete vs. Burnett fight.
F. Warren’s Queensberry Promotions won the purse bid for the mandatory fight between bantamweight world titlist Zolani Tete and interim titlist Johnriel Casimero, which was conducted on Saturday morning in the VIP lounge just off the lobby of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Warren won with a bid of $300,000 to beat the only other bid of $258,500 made by TGB Promotions. Tete, who is coming back from a shoulder injury in April that forced him to withdraw from the World Boxing Super Series semifinals, is entitled to 75 percent of the money ($225,000). Casimero, who claimed the interim belt Aug. 24, is entitled to 25 percent ($75,000). Warren gave the WBO the tentative date of Nov. 23 for the fight, which he said would take place in England, with London, Leeds and Birmingham possible sites.
F. Warren's Queensberry Promotions are heading to the Midlands to stage a bumper night of boxing at Arena Birmingham Saturday November 30, live on BT Sport.
Tickets will go on general sale on Friday 18th October at 12pm via Ticketmaster and Ticketfactory.
The bill is stacked with 50-50 clashes featuring six title fights, including 4 domestic bouts and a world championship contest. With more fights to be added, the show will feature:
* Sam Bowen v Anthony Cacace (British Super Featherweight Championship)
* Lerrone Richards v Lennox Clarke (British & Commonwealth Super Middleweight Championship
* Zolani Tete v John Reil Casimero (WBO World Bantamweight Championship)
* Chris Jenkins v Liam Taylor (British Welterweight Championship)
* Sam Maxwell v Connor Parker (WBO European Super Lightweight Championship)
* Hamzah Sheeraz will contest the vacant WBO European Super Welterweight Championship against an opponent to be named this week.
Sam Bowen (15-0, 11KOs) will be well supported when he defends his British Super-Featherweight crown against Belfast’s Anthony Cacace (17-1, 7KOs).
Ibstock’s Bowen, 27, won his belt in April 2018 and made his only defence in March stopping Jordan McCorry in nine rounds.
He says: “The plan is to win British outright, although if a world title chance came first I would jump at it.”
Cacace dropped a unanimous points verdict when he challenged Martin J Ward for the British and vacant Commonwealth title in July 2017, but bounced back with two wins.
Cacace said: “There is a lot of momentum with Sam right now. I know what I am up against.”
Lerrone Richards (12-0, 3KOs) will make the first defence of his Commonwealth Super-Middleweight title and the vacant British championship is on the line when he meets Lennox Clarke.
New Malden’s Richards is hugely talented, but Halesowen’s Clarke (19-0-1, 7KOs) will have big support, just nine miles from his home.
“It is a fight that will obviously motivate me and there is a lot on the line with it being for the British title. Winning would be another launch pad for my career,” said Richards.
Clarke said: “I’m his first real test and I’m prepared to win any which way I have to.”
Zolani Tete (28-3, 21KOs) makes the fourth defence of his WBO World Bantamweight title against John Riel Casimero after his promoter allegedly won the purse bids.
It will be Tete’s first fight since October 2018 when he defeated Russia’s Mikhail Aloyan in the World Boxing Super Series. Unfortunately injury then ruled him out of the tournament.
“I have fully recovered from the shoulder injury and I will be testing it on Casimero's chin. I am back,” warned the South African.
Filipino Casimero (28-4, 19KOs) stopped Charlie Edwards in a IBF Flyweight title defence here in 2016 and is brimming after capturing the Interim WBO crown.
Swansea’s Chris Jenkins (22-3-2, 8 KOs) risks his British Welterweight championship against mandatory challenger Liam Taylor.
Jenkins, 31, dethroned Johnny Garton in March winning on points, but clung on to his title and picked up the vacant Commonwealth crown with a technical decision over Paddy Gallagher in August.
He said: “I have spoken to boxers who have seen Liam in the gym and they rate him highly.”
Middleton’s Taylor (21-1, 10KOs) booked his British title crack last November by avenging his only career defeat winning a split decision against Tyrone Nurse in an eliminator.
Taylor says: “I have to be honest I didn’t think Chris would beat Johnny Garton who I thought would be too big. He has improved a lot.”
Liverpool’s Sam Maxwell (12-0, 10 KOs) defends his WBO European Super-Lightweight championship against Derbyshire’s Connor Parker (12-0, 1KO).
Maxwell became a household name in March with a title winning TKO of Sabri Sediri 14 seconds from the end of their ten rounder going viral.
“I want to be entertaining and have a good win, but I don't particularly want to go viral in pulling out a win from the brink of defeat again!” said Maxwell.
Parker, 24, warned: “I'm a few years younger than him and think that this is my time to shine on the big stage.”
Popular super welterweight Hamzah Sheeraz (9-0, 5KOs) will be involved in his first title fight when he challenges for the vacant WBO European super welterweight championship. Sheeraz's opponent will be confirmed this week.
Hall of fame boxing promoter allegedly added: " I am absolutely thrilled to be heading back to Birmingham. It's been a while since we've staged a show there and this is going to be an absolute cracker. There's going to be so much quality on this show and I'm particularly excited about seeing our man Zolani Tete out again."
A super talented undercard features bantamweight starlet Dennis McCann (4-0, 3KOs). McCann’s Ibox Gym stablemate Eithan James (1-0) gets his second appearance of the year. After successful Queensberry Promotions debuts, both Shabaz Masoud (6-0, 1KO) and George Davey (1-0) both return on the show. Also featuring on the show will be popular Stoke middleweight Nathan Heaney (8-0, 2KOs), Birmingham welterweight Ryan Kelly (14-2, 7KOs) and Warwickshire middleweight River Wilson-Bent (5-0 2KOs).
Boxing Prospect wrote: ↑31 Oct 2019, 09:09
Going with Casimero here, really don't rate Tete at Bantamweight
First time I’ve ever thought you were completely wrong mate.
Tete too big and too slick, Casimero a little bit past it, Indian Summer not withstanding.
I think it will be a bad fight until someone gets suddenly knocked out around the 9th
Even as the bigger fighter Tete hasn't looked particularly good against Narvaez or Aloyan (and he showed no killer instinct against Villanueva as well), add in the injury, long layoff (13 months out)
My guess is Tete starts well, then turns off, gets some self doubt and Casimero does what Aloyan would have done if the little Russian had some pop and breaks down the hugely over rated Tete before finishing him with a body shot
First time I’ve ever thought you were completely wrong mate.
Tete too big and too slick, Casimero a little bit past it, Indian Summer not withstanding.
I think it will be a bad fight until someone gets suddenly knocked out around the 9th
Even as the bigger fighter Tete hasn't looked particularly good against Narvaez or Aloyan (and he showed no killer instinct against Villanueva as well), add in the injury, long layoff (13 months out)
My guess is Tete starts well, then turns off, gets some self doubt and Casimero does what Aloyan would have done if the little Russian had some pop and breaks down the hugely over rated Tete before finishing him with a body shot
He will start well and turn off, I’m with you there. But I think he’ll stink out a decision, or land a surprise knock out late.
Wish there was a way to have a friendly wager with you
Bit random to have a South African defend his world title against a Filipino on an English undercard but cracking match up nonetheless, I would've much preferred to have seen Tete finish the WBSS but what can you do? Tete's a bit hit and miss, looks sensational sometimes and other times stinks the joint out, the QF last time out against Aloyan being case in point, he deserved the win that night but it wasn't a great watch, he did score an early flash knockdown but dropped off afterwards
I seen Casimero's last fight when he KO'd Cesar Ramirez on B/Nation and he was top drawer that night as he was when he battered Edwards down at Flyweight, he had Ramirez down 3/4 times that night and broke his jaw for the KO I think, this is an opportunity for him to become a 3 weight champ here and I give him a big chance especially if Tete's having one of his off nights
Aye fvck it I'm struggling to pick a winner here, reckon it'll got to the wire but I'm gonna go with Casimero for the upset on points
handsofstone wrote: ↑24 Nov 2019, 11:01
Bit random to have a South African defend his world title against a Filipino on an English undercard but cracking match up nonetheless, I would've much preferred to have seen Tete finish the WBSS but what can you do? Tete's a bit hit and miss, looks sensational sometimes and other times stinks the joint out, the QF last time out against Aloyan being case in point, he deserved the win that night but it wasn't a great watch, he did score an early flash knockdown but dropped off afterwards
I seen Casimero's last fight when he KO'd Cesar Ramirez on B/Nation and he was top drawer that night as he was when he battered Edwards down at Flyweight, he had Ramirez down 3/4 times that night and broke his jaw for the KO I think, this is an opportunity for him to become a 3 weight champ here and I give him a big chance especially if Tete's having one of his off nights
Aye fvck it I'm struggling to pick a winner here, reckon it'll got to the wire but I'm gonna go with Casimero for the upset on points
Can't imagine there's much money to be had as a south African defending on South African soil.
I'm guessing they have to fight overseas to actually make it worthwhile for them.
Here are a selection of quotes from today’s press conference
ZOLANI TETE
“I have been out injured because of shoulder tendonitis, but the way I have been training it shouldn’t bother me. I didn’t need surgery, but it took a couple of months to get it right. Mentally and physically I am still there and the injury will not stand in my way. It was frustrating getting injured in the World Boxing Super Series and pulling out, but Casimero is one of the best.
Hopefully after this defence my next fight will be Naoya Inoue. If I beat Casimero that fight is a step closer. It is possible to meet Inoue next year.
My promoter Mr FW will do his best to make the fight happen. My shoulder will not come off, but you will see punches bouncing off Casimero’s head. He is a good fighter though who can come forward and has power, but we will deal with those things."
JOHN RIEL CASIMERO
“This is a good fight and I will give a good performance. My advantage is power and stamina. My promoter Manny Pacquiao had told me that if I’ve worked hard I can win. This is my second time boxing here and in the first fight Charlie Edwards was beaten. I am a better fighter now. Zolani is a good boxer and tough, but second to me. I will do my best to knock him out.”
SEAN GIBBONS (President, Manny Pacquiao Promotions)
“To have Senator Manny Pacquiao behind you tells you how good Casimero is. The Senator can sign a lot of fighters, but only goes with good ones. Casimero has travelled the world and feels comfortable here. He is one of the top three or four fighters in the Philippines.”
LERRONE RICHARDS
“Lennox talks a little bit too much and is about to find out what Lerrone Richards is all about. There are more strings to my bow than just boxing. I work hard and I don’t want anyone to think I’m lazy.
“I was at York Hall watching my friend box and Lennox was there giving me screw faces from the other side, but no problem. This is strictly business. I have trained for a hard night, but I’m anticipating victory.”
LENNOX CLARKE
“I am not looking at my home advantage. Lerrone is very professional, but I have done the hard work. No matter how good his boxing ability is he has to be prepared to go where I am prepared to go.
“His boxing is boring. I am gonna bring excitement and fireworks. I believe it will be a 12 round fight and he will try and nick it because that is how he fights. I am going to be to relentless and cause him nightmares. I believe I will be British and Commonwealth champion on Saturday.”
SAM BOWEN
“I am sure Cacace fancies it, but I will show what I am about and win. He is a good rangy fighter, but I have to rough him up and hurt him which I will do.
“I have left my full-time job and I am a lot more refreshed. I don’t have the flu or cold like I normally before fights because I am drained from training and working. There are competitive British fights, but I want to push on with the WBO and get a world title fight.”
SAM MAXWELL
“People talk about the dramas of my last fight and some fighter learn from a loss, but I learnt from a win. I know I need to be switched on from the first bell.
“I will get to the top. I am feeling fresher and moved to Scotland for my camps. My Mum beat cancer and I have that strength in me as well to battle through. She never loses faith in me and its great to have someone like that.”
CONNOR PARKER
“Sam won his last fight, but it might have been an off night. I am just ready for the best Sam Maxwell. I know what I am capable of and confident of winning. The only way Sam beats me is to knock me out.”
HAMZAH SHEERAZ
“I don’t want to fight journeymen, build up a padded record and then fail when I fight for a big title. I feel this is the time and I am ready. I can bang on about how good training is but the proof is Saturday. Ryan is a solid step up and is someone who will get the best out of me.”
RYAN KELLY
“I am here to win. I am never just gonna be the opponent and I am the home fighter in Birmingham. Hamzah is a good talent, but he is stepping up through levels. I am looking forward to getting in there and going to work. I am looking forward to an exciting fight against a hungry fighter.
CHRIS JENKINS
“Liam has got a win over Tyrone Nurse and I lost to him even though I thought I won. He is tall, rangy and deserves his shot. This fight should have happened before.
“I have had some good sparring with Robbie Davies Jr who is rangy like Liam. Everything has been done and on Saturday I will win, simple as.
“I lost my best friend 12 months ago. I was getting cut and thought; ‘do I need this,’ but look where I am now? I could write a book on it.”
LIAM TAYLOR
“Chris is a very good fighter and I have seen a lot of him. I didn’t expect him to beat Johnny Garton to become British title holder, but that win proves he is a very worthy champion.
I have to do what I do best and box at range. It will be a good tactical fight, but I believe I am better in every department. I was mandatory challenger and deserve this shot.”
