Casimero knocks out Tete to clinch WBO bantamweight title

By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Johnriel Casimero defied all the odds after going in as the underdog against South African superstar Zolani Tete for the World Boxing Organization bantamweight title.

With 1:50 left in the third round, Casimero unloaded a heavy right and followed it up with another right hook.

The combination hurt Tete who was noticeably stunned and in disbelief of what happened.

The wobbled South African continued to fight for another 50 seconds but the damage the double right Casimero unleashed already did the job, leading to Tete losing his balance in the next seconds of the fight.

Though shorter and smaller, Casimero cut the distance by playing close to the body of Tete.

The tactic worked as it negated one of Tete’s main weapons he relied upon, his reach advantage.

After the win, Casimero called out Japan’s pride, Naoya “Monster” Inoue with the intention of avenging Nonito Donaire’s defeat earlier this year.