Filipino boxer John Riel Casimero wasted little time reminding everyone that, when focused, he remains a dangerous proposition inside the ring.
Fighting for the first time since a disappointing setback earlier this year against Kyonosuke Kameda in Kyrgyzstan, Casimero delivered a dominant performance on Saturday in Japan, stopping Tomu Mizokoshi in the fifth round of their scheduled eight-round featherweight clash.
Casimero Stalks Mizokoshi for Five Rounds
Coming off a one-year ban from boxing in Japan, Casimero (35-5-1, 24 KOs) looked intent on erasing doubts from the opening bell. The 36-year-old Filipino picked his opponent apart with clean, methodical punching, gradually breaking Mizokoshi (11-6, 2 KOs) down as the rounds progressed.
By the third round, the artist known as Quadro Alas had already begun pressing for the finish, stepping on the gas and targeting Mizokoshi with sharp combinations. The Japanese fighter showed heart but was visibly wearing the damage, sporting a bleeding nose by the fifth.
Casimero briefly appeared to score a knockdown early in the fifth round, sending Mizokoshi to the canvas within the opening 30 seconds, though it was ruled a slip. The reprieve proved temporary.
Moments later, Casimero connected with a decisive three-punch combination that finally put Mizokoshi down for good. Though Mizokoshi managed to beat the count, the punishment had taken its toll, and the referee stepped in to halt the contest.
Back in the Game?
The stoppage marked a needed rebound for Casimero, who was fighting for the first time since his surprise decision loss to Kyonosuke Kameda in Kyrgyzstan—a defeat that snapped his eleven-fight unbeaten streak.
Of course, context matters in this case. Mizokoshi, as his record indicates, isn’t exactly a contender. Neither is he a known fighter with championship chances or pedigree. But a win is a win, especially for Casimero, whose once promising career has stalled drastically in recent years.
At least with this win, the 36-year-old Filipino has something to build on should he decide to focus on resurrecting a career that has seen him win titles in three weight classes.
Now, whether or not Quadro Alas can reboot his stalled career is entirely up to him.
