BY NICK GIONGCO
There is a plan for the April 25 three-title belt bantamweight clash in Las Vegas starring Filipino John Riel Casimero and Japanese Naoya ‘Monster’ Inoue to be held behind closed doors owing to coronavirus pandemic.
The two were originally set to face off at Mandalay Bay but the decision of the MGM Properties, which owns Mandalay Bay, to close down indefinitely its facilities across Las Vegas, has raised questions whether it will proceed or not.
Inoue holds the World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation titles while Casimero has the World Boxing Organization jewels.
Apparently, industry sources reveal that the mouthwatering fight could still be saved if it is staged indoors without spectators in a TV studio setup.
Still, it will involve a number of people that will handle the production and telecast as well as ringside personnel from commission executives, officials from the governing bodies from the WBA, IBF and WBO, judges and referee, timekeeper, ring physician and paramedics.
Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum, whose Top Rank Inc. is promoting Inoue vs Casimero. admits there is no official word yet from the Nevada Athletic Commission if it will proceed or not.
Nevada has a scheduled meeting on March 25 to tackle the issue.
“We are day to day. April fights have not been canceled yet,” said Arum.
Meanwhile, Casimero just arrived in Las Vegas after five weeks of training in Miami, Florida, and expressed confidence the event will happen.
“Tuloy ang laban natin at sana huwag na mapahamak ang mga tao at maging safe tayo lahat…gumamit ng alcohol,” said Casimero.
