KBM overturns no-contest decision, rewards the win to John Riel Casimero

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Filipino boxing superstar John Riel Casimero received his best Christmas gift after the Korean Boxing Member (KBM) Commission overturned the no-contest decision during his fight against Ryo Akaho of Japan last December 3, 2022.

A stunning turn of events shocked the Casimero camp after Akaho complained that he was hit at the back of his head which stopped the fight momentarily in the second round.

Akaho was seen grimacing in pain while holding the back of his head which forced the referee to call the fight an official no-contest.

However, a month after the fight, the KBM Commission released an official statement regarding the elevation of the fight result to a victory given to Casimero.

The move done by the KBM Commission came after the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) issued a formal complaint.

“GAB supports KBM’s decision and will continue to support the said commission in its boxing regulation functions. GAB likewise joins the KBM in wishing Mr. Casimero and Mr. Akaho all the best in their future endeavors,” said GAB in a statement.

Aside from GAB’s complaint, the KBM Commission also clarified that Akaho revealed he was already hurt before he was accidentally hit at the back of the head.

“Mr. Akaho said the damage he received was not due to the impact of the punch hitting the back of his head. He took a break to fight again, but he gave up because he couldn’t. And he admitted it was a KO defeat,” said KBM chairman John Hwang.

The crucial decision not only gave Casimero a huge win in his return to the sport but also a good start to his campaign in the super-bantamweight division.

Casimero now holds an impressive record of 32 wins, 22 knockouts, and four losses after the overturned decision while Akaho fell to 39 wins and three losses.