It is going to be foolish to take British challenger Charlie Edwards for granted, the head trainer of Filipino champion Johnreil Casimero said a little over two weeks before the Sept. 10 clash at the O2 Arena in London.
“You can’t afford to take him lightly because if you do, you’ll be in deep trouble,” said Jun Agrabio, dismissing the notion that Edwards, who only has eight fights, will be easy pickings for Casimero.
The 26-year-old Casimero, holder of a 22-3 card with 14 KOs, is in the final stages of his training in Caloocan City and is slated to fly to England on Sept. 4.
Edwards, just 23, is the type of fighter not to be messed with, noted Agrabio.
“They won’t be bringing us over there to see their fighter lose,” said Agrabio, adding “they must have seen something in Casimero that they believe their fighter can exploit.”
Rated No 14 by the WBO in the 112-lb category, Edwards maintains that his supposed premature crack at the world title is just perfect.
“Many peole think this is too early but believe me when I say this: That the IBF world title is coming home with me,” Edwards told Sky Sports.
Leading Casimero and Agrabio in London will be Cebu manager Sammy Gello-ani, the former right-hand man of ALA Boxing.
Casimero is just one of three reigning Filipino world champions.
Bantam Marlon Tapales and Nonito Donaire are the only two left following the decision of Donnie Nietes to relinquish the light-fly crown to focus on his shot at the fly throne next year.
Two others – super-fly Jerwin Ancajas and welter Manny Pacquiao – are vying for world titles in September and November, respectively.