It wasn’t the result many Casimero fans wanted, but it may be the realization they all needed.John Riel Casimero, arguably one of the most popular Filipino fighters in recent years, returned to the ring after a one-year suspension in Japan due to a weight issue. This time, he added another country to his résumé — but unfortunately, the 36-year-old boxer from Ormoc, Leyte was unable to add another win to his record.How the Fight HappenedMany had counted him out after his release from Treasure Boxing Promotions, but Koki Kameda decided to give him another shot and signed him to a promotional contract. During Kameda’s visit to the Philippines, he shared plans to schedule Casimero’s debut in December. However, sources told us that Casimero insisted on fighting sooner.Once considered one of the best bantamweight fighters — and by many, the only Filipino who could potentially defeat Japan’s Naoya Inoue — Casimero’s biggest opponent seemed to be his own weight. To the surprise of many, Casimero was announced to fight Kyonosuke Kameda at 128 pounds, almost two divisions above his usual fighting weight, on October 25 in Kyrgyzstan. Casimero’s team allegedly pushed for the fight and, to make it happen, agreed to compete at the higher weight class.Casimero (35-5-1) had not fought since October 2024, when he stopped Saul Sanchez in an impressive knockout victory — one that was unfortunately tainted after he failed to make weight.His opponent, Kyonosuke Kameda (16-5-2), entered the fight as a heavy underdog, coming off back-to-back losses to Luis Nery and David Picasso. On paper, it was supposed to be a tune-up bout to help Casimero climb back into contention.Casimero vs. Kameda: Cat and MouseDuring the build-up, a confident Casimero boldly predicted a 30-second knockout, even inviting fans to bet on him.At the opening bell, he came out aggressively, trying to bulldoze Kameda with power punches that thrilled the Filipino crowd at Bishkek Arena in Kyrgyzstan. However, Kameda remained composed and stuck to his game plan.As the rounds went on, Casimero’s aggression noticeably waned as fatigue began to set in. This allowed Kameda to take control, countering with sharp jabs and quick combinations while using his footwork to avoid Casimero’s heavy hooks. The pattern continued for ten rounds with little adjustment from Casimero’s corner. He seemed more content throwing wild power shots rather than setting up attacks with his jab.In the ninth round, Kameda landed a clean shot that opened a nasty cut below Casimero’s right eye.The DecisionWhile most fans were expecting a knockout, Kameda wisely boxed his way to victory. The official judges scored the fight 98-92, 98-92, and 97-92 — all in favor of the Japanese fighter, who snapped his losing streak and returned to the win column.Casimero, on the other hand, suffered his first loss in eight years — his last defeat coming at the hands of fellow Filipino Jonas Sultan. The setback not only marked the fifth loss of his career but also pushed him further away from his long-desired showdown with Japan’s “Monster,” Naoya Inoue.After the fight, Casimero posted a message to his fans: “Alam ko na mas gusto nyo na manalo tayo pero ganun talaga ang buhay — may panalo at may talo. Maraming salamat kay God at sa lahat ng sumuporta! Bawi tayo sa sunod. God bless us all!”Casimero Humbled in Defeat Against Kyonosuke KamedaIt wasn’t the result many Casimero fans wanted, but it may be the realization they all needed.John Riel Casimero, arguably one of the most popular Filipino fighters in recent years, returned to the ring after a one-year suspension in Japan due to a weight issue. This time, he added another country to his résumé — but unfortunately, the 36-year-old boxer from Ormoc, Leyte was unable to add another win to his record.How the Fight HappenedMany had counted him out after his release from Treasure Boxing Promotions, but Koki Kameda decided to give him another shot and signed him to a promotional contract. During Kameda’s visit to the Philippines, he shared plans to schedule Casimero’s debut in December. However, sources told us that Casimero insisted on fighting sooner.Once considered one of the best bantamweight fighters — and by many, the only Filipino who could potentially defeat Japan’s Naoya Inoue — Casimero’s biggest opponent seemed to be his own weight. To the surprise of many, Casimero was announced to fight Kyonosuke Kameda at 128 pounds, almost two divisions above his usual fighting weight, on October 25 in Kyrgyzstan. Casimero’s team allegedly pushed for the fight and, to make it happen, agreed to compete at the higher weight class.Casimero (35-5-1) had not fought since October 2024, when he stopped Saul Sanchez in an impressive knockout victory — one that was unfortunately tainted after he failed to make weight.His opponent, Kyonosuke Kameda (16-5-2), entered the fight as a heavy underdog, coming off back-to-back losses to Luis Nery and David Picasso. On paper, it was supposed to be a tune-up bout to help Casimero climb back into contention.Casimero vs. Kameda: Cat and MouseDuring the build-up, a confident Casimero boldly predicted a 30-second knockout, even inviting fans to bet on him.At the opening bell, he came out aggressively, trying to bulldoze Kameda with power punches that thrilled the Filipino crowd at Bishkek Arena in Kyrgyzstan. However, Kameda remained composed and stuck to his game plan.As the rounds went on, Casimero’s aggression noticeably waned as fatigue began to set in. This allowed Kameda to take control, countering with sharp jabs and quick combinations while using his footwork to avoid Casimero’s heavy hooks. The pattern continued for ten rounds with little adjustment from Casimero’s corner. He seemed more content throwing wild power shots rather than setting up attacks with his jab.In the ninth round, Kameda landed a clean shot that opened a nasty cut below Casimero’s right eye.The DecisionWhile most fans were expecting a knockout, Kameda wisely boxed his way to victory. The official judges scored the fight 98-92, 98-92, and 97-92 — all in favor of the Japanese fighter, who snapped his losing streak and returned to the win column.Casimero, on the other hand, suffered his first loss in eight years — his last defeat coming at the hands of fellow Filipino Jonas Sultan. The setback not only marked the fifth loss of his career but also pushed him further away from his long-desired showdown with Japan’s “Monster,” Naoya Inoue.After the fight, Casimero posted a message to his fans:> “Alam ko na mas gusto nyo na manalo tayo pero ganun talaga ang buhay — may panalo at may talo. Maraming salamat kay God at sa lahat ng sumuporta! Bawi tayo sa sunod. God bless us all!”Writer’s OpinionWith this defeat, Casimero showed a clear decline in performance. His trademark power didn’t carry up to 128 pounds, and if he intends to continue his career and maximize his strengths, he may need to return to the 122-pound division.Casimero still has the heart of a fighter, but realistically, he is no longer performing at the elite level he once did.

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