Mike Miguel

It’s official! Johnriel Casimero is now a three-division world champion.

Casimero made sure that he will become a world titleholder once again. He dethroned Zolani Tete via third-round stoppage to claim to become the undisputed WBO world bantamweight king. This took place earlier today in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

The 30-year old native of Ormoc made a repeat of his performance three years ago. But unlike when he defended his IBF title as a flyweight over Charlie Edwards, “Quadro Alas” made a quick work of the reigning champion. After gauging the South African in the first two rounds, Casimero went full throttle and never looked back.

Midway into the third frame, he uncorked a devastating right body shot which sent Tete to his knees. Sensing his frailing opponent, Casimero responded like a shark who smelled blood. The Filipino pug floored Tete seconds later for another knockdown. In spite of the damage he took, “Last Born” responded to the referee’s eight-count but eventually succumbed to the beating at the 2:14 mark of the bout.

With his performance, Casimero cemented his place in Philippine history books. He now becomes the fourth man to win three world titles, joining the likes of Donnie Nietes, Nonito Donaire and his promoter, eight-division champ Manny Pacquiao.

One of his cornermen, Ting Ariosa, expressed his awe with their ward. According to him, Casimero’s preparations reflected during the bout, capping off the weekend on a good note after a minor altercation during the weigh-ins.

“John Riel Casimero had a big heart during training camp.” then he had a bigger heart during the fight!” He tells RealFight PH via online video call.

The win gives the newly-minted bantamweight king his twentieth career knockout victory and moves to 29-4. Moreover, he opens December with a huge win as two more world title bouts for the country. Marlon Tapales and Jerwin Ancajas compete this December 7 in their respective world title bouts.