By NIKOLE JAVIER
John Riel Casimero has been awarded a knockout win for his lone bout this year.
The Korea Boxing Member’s Commission (KBMC) has voted to change Casimero’s declared no-contest against Ryo Akaho to a second-round knockout win in their junior featherweight clash last Dec. 3 in Incheon, South Korea.
The 33-year-old Ormoc native found himself in the losing end following Akaho’s claim that he was struck on the back of his head that forced the referee to halt the fight as he was no longer able to continue.
After further review, the match was cut short, thus ending Casimero’s fight early.
However, Casimero, who has not engaged inside the ring for 16 months prior to the bout, would be awarded a yearend victory.
“The Games and Amusement Board (GAB) welcomes the decision of the Korea Boxing Member’s Commission (KBM) to change the result of the December 3, 2022 fight between John Riel Casimero and Ryo Akaho from “NO CONTEST” to “CASIMERO WIN BY KO.”
The KBM has convened two deliberative committees and discussed the issue twice. After its review of the fight and the evidence presented to it, the KBM has decided to declare a Casimero WIN by KO, thereby reaffirming KBM’s commitment to sportsmanship and fair play.
With the development, the former three-division titlist has improved his record to 32-4 and 22 knockouts.
