John Riel Casimero has labelled his Filipino countryman Nonito Donaire as “scared” during the countdown to his next world title defence.
On Saturday night Casimero defends his WBO bantamweight title against Cuban maestro Guillermo Rigondeaux in Carson, California on Showtime but it could have been Donaire in the opposite corner.
The two had been scheduled to meet this Saturday night but Donaire withdrew from the fight citing drug testing issues on Casimero’s part. Matters crossed the line when Nonito’s wife Rachel was brought into the fighter’s feud prompting the future hall-of-famer to call the fight off.
Casimero believes beating Rigondeaux will send a message to his rivals at 118lbs and then vowed to resume his hunt for Donaire.
“I want to show that I’m strong and can beat any tough opponent. A win over Rigondeaux will solidify me as one of, if not the best, fighter in the bantamweight division. My goal is to take care of business on Saturday night, then go after the scared Nonito Donaire.”
Three-weight champion Casimero will be making the third defence of his belt against Rigondeaux, a former unified champion at super-bantamweight. Despite the veteran Cuban’s box of tricks Casimero says this can be a straightforward night at the office for himself.
“I know that I can make this an easy fight for myself. I want him to have some guts and be the exciting fighter he’s shown recently. It will be better for the fans, and it will really prove who is the best.”
Main image: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions