John Reil Casimero looking forward to Guillermo Rigondeaux on August 14

On Saturday, August 14, WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero will defend his title against 2-division world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux in the main event, live from Dignity Health Sports Park, in Carson, California. The fight will be broadcast live on ShowTime Championship Boxing.

If there was ever a contrast in styles, this is that fight. Rigondeaux has been labelled as a pure boxer who doesn’t always look to engage in heavy warfare. Casemiro is nothing if not an engaging fighter who looks to rumble all night long.

It really comes down to how you view their individual styles.

Some might label 2-time Olympian Rigondeaux’s style as boring. Conversely, others might describe that same style as highly skilled and the epitome of elite level boxing in the purest sense of the word.

Some might describe 3-time world champion Casimero, as, (while exciting), somewhat undisciplined in the ring. Others would marvel at his willingness to engage, his relentless offensive approach and his fan-friendly style.

In short, both styles are in the eye of the beholder. In the end, the fighter that can impose their style on the other, and dictate the pace of the fight, will be in the best spot for success on the night.

Both fighters enter the ring with outstanding resumes and a wealth of experience at the elite level.

Rigondeaux has captured the WBA bantamweight title and the WBO and WBA world super bantamweight titles. In 12 years as a professional he has been in world title fights in 14 of his 21 outings in posting a 20-1 (13 KO’s) record.

Casimero, has notched 21 stoppages in 34 bouts (30-4, 21 KO’s) in 14 years as a pro. He is also well versed in championship fights having fought in 15 world title bouts and has secured the WBO light flyweight title, the IBF light flyweight title, the IBF flyweight title and the WBO world bantamweight title in his career.

MaxBoxong caught up with Casimero handler Sean Gibbons, who is also the man behind the wheel of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, to get his thoughts on his fighter’s upcoming assignment.

"John Riel is in great shape and is more than ready for the challenge on the 14th”, said Gibbons. “We know what we have in front of us in Rigondeaux, a very good fighter, a very methodical fighter. But, Casimero is in great shape and can’t wait to get in the ring."

Asked how Gibbons sees the styles playing out, and while he sees the boxer vs. the banger scenario, he also says that a few people are going to be surprised by Casimero.

"I know what a lot of people think Casimero is just going to go rushing after Rigondeaux and leave himself open for big shots. Let me tell you, Casimero has a very under-rated defense, and he has a great chin. Between that and the non-stop pressure he will bring to Rigondeaux, Casimero is just going to be too much for those 40-year-old legs of Rigo”, said Gibbons. “Listen, I don’t under-estimate Rigondeaux’s skills, he is a very talented boxer. But, if he gets in a fire fight he runs and you can’t win a lot of rounds running. Casimero won’t give this guy a second to breathe."

If Casimero comes out successful against Rigondeaux, asked what Gibbins see as next for his fighter and 2 names popped up.

"John Riel is laser focused on Rigondeaux right now. But, after we beat him, he wants Inoue or Donaire. Bring us the winner of that fight. If not, we’ll take them both, either one. Line ‘em up. Casimero wants to fight the best," said Gibbons.