By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
John Riel Casimero’s professional boxing return after 476 days ended in a disappointing ‘No Contest’ decision against Japanese fighter Ryo Akaho last December 3, 2022.
In a hyped up blockbuster fight day held at the Paradise City Plaza Hotel in Incheon, South Korea, Casimero was poised to knock out Akaho but the results came to a shocking no contest.
Casimero dominated the first round after opening the first 20 seconds with his huge signature right hook that rocked his Japanese foe.
The former Filipino champion then shrugged off fight rust issues and flashed his old self after dropping successive three-punch combinations.
As Casimero looked in control heading to the second round, Akaho scored a stunning knockdown after catching the Filipino with a counter hook.
Casimero chased Akaho and unleashed a long-reaching 1-2 straight combination but unfortunately, Akaho caught him with a slipping hook that caught him off guard.
Seconds after the knockdown, Casimero came roaring back and hit Akaho at will with his right hook-left uppercut bombs that hurt the Japanese badly.
However, a stunning turn of events shocked the Casimero camp after Akaho complained that he was hit at the back of his head which stopped the fight momentarily.
Akaho was seen grimacing in pain while holding the back of his head which forced the referee to call the fight an official no contest.
The result will not award any of the fighters a win that will affect Casimero’s campaign in getting back in the world bantamweight championship eliminator.
Casimero’s professional boxing record still stands at 31 wins, 21 knockouts, and four losses and is aiming for another fight to go up in the bantamweight standings.
