John Riel Casimero vs. Paul Butler - OFF

[Ruthless-RKO]

John Riel Casimero-Paul Butler Bantamweight Title Fight Ordered By WBO

John Riel Casimero was able to make amends with Nonito Donaire, though his next conversation will have to be with another bantamweight in his future.

The reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight titlist has been ordered to enter negotiations with Paul Butler for a mandatory title fight. The sanctioning body contacted both camps on Wednesday, with talks due to begin immediately as to avoid a purse bid hearing.

“The WBO World Championship Committee hereby orders the parties herein commencement of negotiations for the above-mentioned WBO Bantamweight Mandatory Championship Contest,” Luis Batista-Salas, chairman of the WBO Championship Committee informed the promoters for both parties via official letter, a copy of which has been obtained by BS.com. “Please be advised that the parties have twenty (20) days upon receipt of this letter to reach an agreement.

“If an accord is not reached within the time frame set forth herein, a Purse Bid will be ordered pursuant to WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.”

Casimero is promoted by MP Promotions, whose president Sean Gibbons was copied on the alert. Paul Butler fights under the MTK Global banner, represented by Lee Eaton in ordered talks.

Philippines’ Casimero (31-4, 21KOs)—a three-division titlist—has held the WBO bantamweight title since a third-round knockout of Zolani Tete in November 2019. Just two defenses have followed, a third-round knockout of unbeaten Duke Micah last September and a twelve-round decision win over long-reigning lineal junior featherweight titlist and current bantamweight contender Guillermo Rigondeaux this past August in Carson, California.

The fight with Rigondeaux was scheduled earlier this spring, only for hopes of replacing the fight with a unification bout versus Donaire (41-6, 27KOs) shortly after the Fil-Am superstar captured the WBC title. The two initially agreed to terms for an August 14 clash, only for Donaire to remove himself from the mix due to a breakdown in drug testing procedures along with claims of misogynistic comments directed at wife/manager/trainer Rachel Donaire from Casimero’s camp.

Donaire was left without a fight, while Casimero proceeded with the originally scheduled clash with Rigondeaux which proved tough on the eyes. Casimero offered an apology earlier this week to Donaire, who accepted the olive branch.

It didn’t, however, come in time to revisit talks for a year-end clash.

Butler (33-2, 15KOs) briefly held the IBF bantamweight title in 2014, vacating the title in pursuit of a shot at a junior bantamweight title. The Cheshire, England native came up short in a March 2015 bid versus Tete who held the IBF 115-pound title at the time. Nine wins followed before dropping a twelve-round decision to then-unbeaten Emmanuel Rodriguez in their May 2018 vacant IBF bantamweight title fight.

Butler, 32, has since won his last seven starts. In his most recent appearance, Butler claimed a ten-round decision over Willibaldo Garcia this past June in Bolton, England. The victory positioned him as the number-one contender to Casimero’s crown.

The deadline for current ordered talks is October 12, at which point a purse bid hearing will be called by the WBO. Either side can request the fight go to purse bid at any point during the negotiation period. Should it reach that point, the fight will be made available to all WBO-registered promoters, provided they meet or exceed the $100,000 minimum bid limit.

[maverick23]

John Riel Casimero-Paul Butler Bantamweight Title Fight Ordered By WBO

John Riel Casimero was able to make amends with Nonito Donaire, though his next conversation will have to be with another bantamweight in his future.

The reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight titlist has been ordered to enter negotiations with Paul Butler for a mandatory title fight. The sanctioning body contacted both camps on Wednesday, with talks due to begin immediately as to avoid a purse bid hearing.

“The WBO World Championship Committee hereby orders the parties herein commencement of negotiations for the above-mentioned WBO Bantamweight Mandatory Championship Contest,” Luis Batista-Salas, chairman of the WBO Championship Committee informed the promoters for both parties via official letter, a copy of which has been obtained by BS.com. “Please be advised that the parties have twenty (20) days upon receipt of this letter to reach an agreement.

“If an accord is not reached within the time frame set forth herein, a Purse Bid will be ordered pursuant to WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.”

Casimero is promoted by MP Promotions, whose president Sean Gibbons was copied on the alert. Paul Butler fights under the MTK Global banner, represented by Lee Eaton in ordered talks.

Philippines’ Casimero (31-4, 21KOs)—a three-division titlist—has held the WBO bantamweight title since a third-round knockout of Zolani Tete in November 2019. Just two defenses have followed, a third-round knockout of unbeaten Duke Micah last September and a twelve-round decision win over long-reigning lineal junior featherweight titlist and current bantamweight contender Guillermo Rigondeaux this past August in Carson, California.

The fight with Rigondeaux was scheduled earlier this spring, only for hopes of replacing the fight with a unification bout versus Donaire (41-6, 27KOs) shortly after the Fil-Am superstar captured the WBC title. The two initially agreed to terms for an August 14 clash, only for Donaire to remove himself from the mix due to a breakdown in drug testing procedures along with claims of misogynistic comments directed at wife/manager/trainer Rachel Donaire from Casimero’s camp.

Donaire was left without a fight, while Casimero proceeded with the originally scheduled clash with Rigondeaux which proved tough on the eyes. Casimero offered an apology earlier this week to Donaire, who accepted the olive branch.

It didn’t, however, come in time to revisit talks for a year-end clash.

Butler (33-2, 15KOs) briefly held the IBF bantamweight title in 2014, vacating the title in pursuit of a shot at a junior bantamweight title. The Cheshire, England native came up short in a March 2015 bid versus Tete who held the IBF 115-pound title at the time. Nine wins followed before dropping a twelve-round decision to then-unbeaten Emmanuel Rodriguez in their May 2018 vacant IBF bantamweight title fight.

Butler, 32, has since won his last seven starts. In his most recent appearance, Butler claimed a ten-round decision over Willibaldo Garcia this past June in Bolton, England. The victory positioned him as the number-one contender to Casimero’s crown.

The deadline for current ordered talks is October 12, at which point a purse bid hearing will be called by the WBO. Either side can request the fight go to purse bid at any point during the negotiation period. Should it reach that point, the fight will be made available to all WBO-registered promoters, provided they meet or exceed the $100,000 minimum bid limit.

It’s crazy how Butler has somehow worked his way back to a another world title fight.

Is his best win still against Stuart Hall?

[Manchester Hitman]

I didn’t know Butler was still fighting. I hope it’s a good purse and he doesn’t get hurt.

[Ruthless-RKO]

I didn’t know Butler was still fighting. I hope it’s a good purse and he doesn’t get hurt.

He's been on MTK cards.

He's a former world champion, only two losses came in world title fights as well.

he's done well in his career,

[Oiky]

Butlers another one thats managed to make the most out of things

[Ruthless-RKO]

Butlers another one thats managed to make the most out of things

Over achieved?

Is it tougher for UK boxers in the lower weights or the higher weights?

[Oiky]

Butlers another one thats managed to make the most out of things

Over achieved?

Is it tougher for UK boxers in the lower weights or the higher weights?

Maybe,i respect him though

I reckon its tougher in the lower weights to be fair,although some of the big lumps have more marketability

[JxhDel.]

Management and governing bodies have been good to Paul, that is sure.

[margaret thatcher]

i wonder if he'll poo himself like he did against rodriguez

[Ruthless-RKO]

WBO Schedules October 7 Purse Bid After Talks Cut Short

John Riel Casimero could see his next title defense fall in the hands of the highest bidder.

A purse bid hearing was called by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) for the ordered bantamweight title fight between defending champion Casimero and mandatory challenger Paul Butler. The ruling comes just five days after the two sides were granted a 20-day negotiation period, only for Butler’s team—headed by Lee Eaton of MTK Global—to request the matter to go straight to a purse bid scheduled for October 7 at WBO headquarters in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“Please be advised that on September 22, 2021, the WBO World Championship Committee ordered the commencement of the negotiations for the above-referenced mandatory championship contest,” Luis Batista-Salas, chairman of the WBO Championship Committee stated in a letter to all WBO-registered promoters. “The parties were granted 20 days to reach an agreement or purse bid proceedings would be called per WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.

“On September 27, 2021, this Committee confirmed receipt of email correspondence by Mr. Lee Eaton of MTK Global, on behalf of WBO Bantamweight Mandatory Challenger Paul Butler. As outlined in our negotiation letter dated September 22, 2021, any of the parties herein may request purse bid proceedings at any time during the negotiations and therefore, the request filed by Mr. Eaton is hereby granted.”

The session will be open to all WBO-registered promoters, who are required to meet or exceed the $100,000 minimum bid limit in order to obtain rights to the title fight.

Eaton put in the request after sensing that a deal wasn’t going to be reached with MP Promotions, who promotes Philippines’ Casimero (31-4, 21KOs)—a three-division titlist who has held the WBO bantamweight title since a third-round knockout of Zolani Tete in November 2019.

Two title defenses have followed for Casimero, a third-round knockout of unbeaten Duke Micah last September and a twelve-round decision win over long-reigning lineal junior featherweight titlist and current bantamweight contender Guillermo Rigondeaux this past August in Carson, California.

The fight with Rigondeaux was scheduled earlier this spring, only for hopes of replacing the fight with a unification bout versus countryman Nonito Donaire (41-6, 27KOs) shortly after the Fil-Am superstar captured the WBC title. The two initially agreed to terms for an August 14 clash, only for Donaire to remove himself from the mix due to a breakdown in drug testing procedures along with claims of misogynistic comments directed at wife/manager/trainer Rachel Donaire from Casimero’s camp.

Donaire was left without a fight, while Casimero proceeded with the originally scheduled clash with Rigondeaux which he won in a painfully dull affair.

Casimero offered an apology earlier this month to Donaire, who accepted the olive branch. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to work its way into a new deal between bantamweight titlists, both of whom are pressed with mandatory title defenses.

Butler (33-2, 15KOs) briefly held the IBF bantamweight title in 2014 before vacating in pursuit of a shot at a junior bantamweight title. The Cheshire, England native came up short in a March 2015 bid versus Tete who held the IBF 115-pound title at the time. Nine wins followed before dropping a twelve-round decision to then-unbeaten Emmanuel Rodriguez in their May 2018 vacant IBF bantamweight title fight.

Butler, 32, has since won his last seven starts. In his most recent appearance, Butler claimed a ten-round decision over Willibaldo Garcia this past June in Bolton, England. The victory positioned him as the number-one contender to Casimero’s crown.

[maverick23]

Probellum won the purse bid for this. Only bidder I think and won it with $106k. I’d be surprised if this goes ahead with Probellum taking the lead -it would give Casimero $80k which, I’d guess, is a lot less than he’d usually get.

Wouldn’t surprise me if Boxxer made a deal with them on it.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Surprised MTK or even Casimero’s guys didn’t bid.

A deal wasn’t don’t either.

What’s going on.

Fights a mandatory. Doubt he’ll drop his titles.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Gibbons ain’t bothered one but. He only cared when Manny Pac was fighting.

$105k between then both is low.

Shouldn’t these purse bids minimum be a bit higher?

[margaret thatcher]

in my fantasy casimero says f@ck this fight and faces inoue instead

[handsofstone]

Well well well , just a day after my Price/Klitschko comparison finally died for good, my prediction that Paul Butler can prove to be a force at world level resurfaces

As one door closes....

[Ruthless-RKO]

[3132DW]

Surprised MTK or even Casimero’s guys didn’t bid.

A deal wasn’t don’t either.

What’s going on.

Fights a mandatory. Doubt he’ll drop his titles.

Is Probellum also Mr Kinahan ? Lot of rumours he’s involved.

Buying fights with no TV etc.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Surprised MTK or even Casimero’s guys didn’t bid.

A deal wasn’t don’t either.

What’s going on.

Fights a mandatory. Doubt he’ll drop his titles.

Is Probellum also Mr Kinahan ? Lot of rumours he’s involved.

Buying fights with no TV etc.

First fight they bought..

They’ve signed a lot of deals with media companies around the world.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Report: Donaire Urged Probellum To Bid On Casimero-Butler Bout; Could Happen 12/11

Nonito Donaire didn’t simply accept John Riel Casimero’s apology.

He helped his fellow Filipino make a decision regarding his next fight. According to a report published recently by an outlet in the Philippines, Donaire encouraged his promoter, Richard Schaefer, to work with Casimero for his mandated WBO bantamweight title defense against Paul Butler.

Schaefer is the president of Probellum, the ambitious promotional company that represents a growing stable of fighters, including Donaire.

ABS-CBN News reported that Jason Casimero, John Riel’s brother and trainer, confirmed that his brother has signed a contract with Probellum. Jason Casimero declined to discuss Casimero’s status with Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, according to ABS-CBN News.

Rachel Donaire, Nonito’s wife and manager, clarified for BS.com that Casimero signed a contract for the Butler bout, not for a promotional deal with Probellum, as the initial version of this story indicated.

Donaire indicated in a video interview posted to his Facebook channel, Beyond the Ring, that he and Casimero (31-4, 21 KOs) could be showcased in separate bouts on a Probellum card December 11.

Donaire (41-6, 27 KOs) is supposed to make a mandated defense of his WBC bantamweight title against another Filipino fighter, Reymart Gaballo (24-0, 20 KOs), in his next bout.

Probellum won a purse bid last week with an offer of $105,000, slightly above the minimum allowance of $100,000, to earn the right to promote Casimero’s mandatory title defense against England’s Butler (33-2, 15 KOs). Butler also signed with Probellum this week.

Potentially boxing on the same card, under the same promotional banner, would be a dramatic turn of events for Donaire and Casimero. They were supposed to meet in a bantamweight championship unification fight August 14, but Donaire withdrew from their “Showtime Championship Boxing” main event because Casimero wasn’t enrolled to Donaire’s satisfaction in the WBC’s “Clean Boxing Program.”

The 38-year-old Donaire also took exception to how Sean Gibbons, the president of MP Promotions, interacted with his wife/manager, Rachel Donaire, on social media when the Donaires questioned Casimero’s commitment to the WBC program administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association. Casimero later apologized for what Donaire considered disrespect toward his wife.

Casimero instead out-pointed Guillermo Rigondeaux by split decision in Showtime’s mundane main event August 14 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Cuba’s Rigondeaux (20-2, 13 KOs, 1 NC) was Casimero’s original opponent, but Donaire temporarily replaced him after he demolished previously undefeated French southpaw Nordine Oubaali (17-1, 12 KOs) by fourth-round knockout to regain the WBC bantamweight championship May 29 at Dignity Health Sports Park.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

Probellum will host a world championship doubleheader at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Saturday, December 11 with Probellum: Revolution - as Sunny Edwards defends his IBF flyweight title against Jayson Mama and John Riel Casimero puts his WBO bantamweight title on the line against the UK’s Paul Butler.

The event brings together some of the very best fighters from around the world in what is sure to be an action-packed night of boxing.

Undefeated Edwards (16-0, 4 knockouts) makes the first defense of his world title, taking on his mandatory challenger Mama (16-0, 9 knockouts), after the two men were originally set to meet in September in the UK before an injury postponed the clash.

Casimero (31-4, 21 knockouts) is back following his victory over Guillermo Rigondeaux in August, now squaring off with mandatory challenger Butler (33-2, 15 knockouts). Casimero is one of the most devastating punchers in the division who looks to keep his momentum going in his third world championship defense.

Four-weight world champion Donnie Nietes (43-1-5, 23 knockouts) will also appear on the card, as he looks to move a step closer to another championship in a world title elimination bout. He will be joined by unbeaten super-featherweight Archie Sharp (21-0, 9 knockouts), and former world title challenger Jono Carroll (20-2-1, 5 knockouts), who is coming off an important win against Andy Vences in September.

"We are delighted to finally announce plans for this incredible event in Dubai next month," said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. "We made it clear from the offset that we have massive plans in store for Probellum, and this world title doubleheader shows just that.

"The two world title fights see John Riel Casimero face Paul Butler, while Sunny Edwards takes on Jayson Mama, and both of those bouts are set to be guaranteed excitement. With the likes of Donnie Nietes, Archie Sharp and Jono Carroll all competing too, fans will be treated to a night of non-stop action. We cannot wait for fight night and are proud to bring this historic event to the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai."

[Ruthless-RKO]

Big Probellum Bout For Jono Carroll

Jono Carroll [20(5)-2(0)-1] has secured a slot on a ‘historic’ Probellum card.

The Dublin super featherweight will look to follow up on his September world title eliminator win over Andy Vences in Dubai on Saturday 11.

‘King Kong’ will face at yet to be confirmed opponent on a card that includes two world title fights at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

Sunny Edwards defends his IBF flyweight title against Jayson Mama on the bill while John Riel Casimero puts his WBO bantamweight title on the line against the UK’s Paul Butler.

Four-weight world champion Donnie Nietes also appears as will possible future Anthony Cacace opponent Archie Sharp.

“We are delighted to finally announce plans for this incredible event in Dubai next month,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. “We made it clear from the offset that we have massive plans in store for Probellum, and this world title double-header shows just that.

“The two world title fights see John Riel Casimero face Paul Butler, while Sunny Edwards takes on Jayson Mama, and both of those bouts are set to be guaranteed excitement. With the likes of Donnie Nietes, Archie Sharp and Jono Carroll all competing too, fans will be treated to a night of non-stop action. We cannot wait for fight night and are proud to bring this historic event to the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.”

Carroll was last seen defeating American Vences at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Miami.

That points win moved the Finglas fighter into WBA pole and left him next in line for the WBA world title.

Speaking at the time the bearded warrior claimed he was unaware as to who holds the title or the straps situation but was certain of where its future home is.

“I’m coming, King Kong Carroll is coming,” he warned.

“I’m going to destroy all those champions, I’m coming. I don’t even know the man’s name who has the WBA [World title] but I’m taking that belt.”

The Hollywood hosted win is one of the best on the southpaw’s record but yet Carroll doesn’t believe it was his best performance.

Some tragic family issues hampered his camp and he warns he will be much improved with a more focused and lengthier camp.

“I can’t wait because when I have a 12 week camp… the previous camp I was in the best shape of my life and then I went home and the baby came out of hospital and it was a crazy time, so this camp wasn’t correct. When I have a 12-week camp you will see what I am about.

“I’m very proud but I’m also my worst critic. I can perform a million times better than what I did in there. So when we went back to the dressing myself and my coach said ‘we know that’s not us’.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

Donnie Nietes Set To Fight Norbelto Jimenez in WBA-115 Eliminator Dec 11 in Dubai

In less than a month, Filipino 4-division world champion Donnie Nietes (43-1-5, 23 KO's) will be entering the ring for his upcoming crucial battle against WBA world-ranked Dominican Republic 115-pounder Norbelto "Meneito" Jimenez (30-9-5, 16 KO's) on Saturday, December 11, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The info was revealed today by Nietes' promoter company, Probellum, the boxing promotion and media company guided by Richard Schaefer, former Golden Boy Promotions CEO.

The clash could not be more important for the pro boxing careers of veteran master-tactician Nietes, 39, as well as for the younger, former 2-time world title challenger Jiménez as their 12-rounder battle is a WBA super flyweight eliminator; the winner becoming mandatory challenger to one of the WBA super flyweight world titles.

Those WBA 115-lbs world marbles currently belong to super popular Juan Francisco "El Gallo" Estrada of Sonora, Mexico (WBA 115 super champion), and by Mexican-American Joshua "El Professor" Franco of San Antonio, Texas (WBA 115 regular flyweight champion).

There is no shortage of thrilling talent at super flyweight, that the winner could face Thai slugger Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (50-5-1, 43 KO's), Nicaraguan superstar Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (50-3, 41 KO’s), Filipino “Pretty Boy” Jerwin Ancajas (33-1-2, 22 KO’s), and Japanese multi-division champion Kazuto Ioka (27-2, 15 KO’s).

Nietes, one of the most successful and accomplished Filipino boxers in modern history, will be returning to Dubai after outclassing Colombian Pablo "El Trencito" Carrillo (26-8-1, 17 KO's) last April at the plush Caesar's Palace Dubai.

Meanwhile, Jimenez, 30, currently ranked by the WBA as the #4 super flyweight in world, has been the 115-pound national champion of his Caribbean country. He fought former British world champion Khalid Yafai (26-1, 15 KO's), losing by points.



What’s more, some years ago the Dominican fighter scored a draw against then world champion Kohei Kono in Tokyo, not an easy thing at the time. In addition, Jimenez is also returning to Dubai – the thrilling capital of the United Arab Emirates – where he waged a hard-fought draw against unbeaten world-ranked Nigerian warrior Aliu Bamidele Lasisi (15-0-1, 8 KO's).

Jimenez' last combat was a year ago, a win by points over Nicaraguan Marvin Solano (24-7, 8 KO’s) in Santo Domingo.

[peter barlow]

Will we get TV or Youtube coverage?

[maverick23]

Will we get TV or Youtube coverage?

Not sure yet. I’d be surprised if it’s not on IFL at least.