Guillermo Rigondeaux vs. John Riel Casimero preview: Does the old Cuban wizard have enough left to win?

Guillermo Rigondeaux’s aura of invincibility was forever burst by the esteemed Lomachenko in 2017, just as the Ukrainian’s aura was burst forever by the also-superb Teofimo Lopez. Rigondeaux was shocked at this loss of invincibility but praised Lomachenko on Twitter – before swiftly erasing his Tweet.

Champions defeat and beget, champions. Rigondeaux, a master of the Cuban System, fights on. Is anyone surprised? Older fighters – unless they need the money, fight because their very being is defined by the sport. The internet says Rigondeaux is worth 1.5 million which may not be enough. Beyond boxing, the Cuban star may have no streams of income and no real interests.

In a bizarre twist (even for boxing!) Rigondeaux was supposed to fight Casimero but then the card changed to Casimero vs. Nonito Donaire. Then, Casimero was allegedly very late filing VADA paperwork and after being slammed by Donaire’s wife on Twitter for this, made an obscene remark about Donaire’s spouse. This was a final straw for Nonito, who released a learned statement about bullying and misogyny. I’m not kidding.

But – VADA stated that in fact, Casimero was and is enrolled. And Donaire’s statement qualified that, though he was outraged by bullying and misogyny, late filing of VADA paperwork was in fact the main reason he was canceling.

But didn’t VADA say Casimero was on their good books? My guess is Donaire was enraged by Casimero’s remarks about his wife, but this one mainly stinks of boxing matchmakers wanting a reason to cancel the fight.

Fighters Grades: (Speed, Power, Defense, Reach, Age, Stamina, Experience)

Guillermo Rigondeaux: B+B B+ B- C B B+ (Average of all) B (3.0)

John Real Casimero: B B C+ C- B- B- B (Average of all) B- (2.7)

Reality Check: If you’re looking for the next Hearns-Hagler – look somewhere else – LOL. If you like tactical boxing between an old, once-great technical genius vs a so-so, yet powerful opponent, this might be a pleasant way to spend some 36 minutes.

Folks, a lot of you disliked the spoiling MO of Mr. Rigondeaux even before he quit on his stool. Very many of you were not fans of his spoiling style and humming bird-like punches and were grateful that Lomachenko proved the faster hummingbird. Casimero can punch for sure and has 21 KOs vs. so-so opposition. The better fight would have been an all-Filipino affair with San Leandro’s Donaire, but hey, this is what we got.

I like Donaire a lot; excellent once-great fighter, smart guy, good person, and hey, from San Leandro.

The dude had a tumultuous family scene there around 2011 – yikes, with he says, his whole family praying for him to lose, but that was long ago. All good.

Donaire’s excellent outings, particularly against Monster Inoue, were superb, but personally – I don’t quite think he’s tricked Time in the manner of Bernard Hopkins or Archie Moore.

I think he’s definitely on the Back 40 of his career. Rigondeaux, his nemesis, is certainly gunning for him, and the rematch is one I’d like to see – even if Nonito may not sprint towards it eagerly. After all, Rigondeaux burst Nonito’s aura forever.

Fight and Prediction: Let’s award some credit to Casimero. The dude has excellent left- and right-hand coordination and has scored legit KOs from both hands. He throws punches away; say left hooks that just miss and then rights that do not miss. They’re not so much feints as they are an instinctive technique you don’t often see. Speaking of technique – you could pass an aircraft carrier under Casimero’s legs, so wide is his stance. His legs are yards apart! Not something that can or should be taught – but hey, it works for him.

All that aside, Rigondeaux, the quitter (KIDDING) is one of the better defensive fighters of the last 20 odd… and his wins came against a much, much higher level of competition.

Rigondeaux may have slowed to a standstill; he’s at that dangerous age. If so, this is

boxing – anything happens. If he’s still 80% of his old self, his wizardry on defense – love or hate, coupled with Casimero’s mile-wide stance, should see him safely through.

I refuse to make hedging predictions: “Casimero lightning could strike, but a Rigondeaux decision is more likely.” WAIT! I just made a hedging prediction.

I won’t make a habit of it, promise.

Guillermo Rigondeaux UD 12 John Riel Casimero.