By Carlos Costa

MANILA, PHILIPPINES   —   Filipino Interim WBO Bantamweight world champion John Riel Casimero(24-4, 18 KO’s) and taller Mexican challenger Cesar “Perico” Ramirez(18-3, 11 KO’s) successfully made weight ahead of their title battle tomorrow Saturday, August 24, here in Manila, Philippines.

The challenger from Colonia Los Fresnos in Tepic, Nayarit, easily made 117.6 pounds in his first try.     But Casimero, 30, had to go through two extra hours of sweating to make the limit of the bantamweight division, 118 pounds.

According to WBO fight supervisor Leon Panoncillo, the winner of the clash is mandated to battle WBO regular bantamweight world champion Zolani Tete (28-3, 21 KO’s).

“I am going to win.   I have dreamed about being a world champion this for too long.   This is my golden door and I am walking in,” said the 31 year-old Ramirez, in his second war in a foreign land.

Three years ago Ramirez battled Ryan Burnett (20-1, 10 KO’s) in Leeds, England, losing by points.   This time the “Perico” Ramirez is gunning for the gold.

The battle will aired live on ABS CBN in the Philippines and ESPN+ worldwide.

The Casimero vs Ramirez clash tomorrow Saturday, August 24, at San Andres Sports Complex in Metro Manila, Philippines, is a production of MP Promotions in association with Sanman Promotions, Filipino channel ABS CBN and ESPN.   Matchmaker is Sean Gibbons.

Photos by Carlos Costa

The author Carlos Costa is a veteran boxing reporter living in the Philippines.   Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.comand whatsapp +639184538152.