John Riel Casimero Facing Serious Charges in Philippines
WBO bantamweight champion John Riel “Quadro Alas” Casimero (31-4, 21 KO’s) is facing a serious fork in the road and unfortunately for him, one of those roads leads to impending peril. This is because Casimero, 33, has been charged with the sexual abuse of a minor in his native Philippines homeland.
According to ESPN, there was a complaint filed against Casimero by the Women and Children Protection Desk in Taguig City, Philippines. The allegations hold that the bantamweight champion inappropriately fondled a 17-year girl who was sleeping in his hotel room. Casimero is presently scheduled to defend his title against Paul Butler on April 22. His last bout was a split decision win over Guillermo Rigondeaux. Now the 3-division champion has a much bigger fight on his hands.
GLOOMY RAMIFICATIONS
Recently lightweight fighter Rolando Romero was accused of sexual misconduct and was immediately yanked from the biggest fight of his career against Gervonta Davis. Luckily for Romero, he would go on to have his name exonerated of all wrongdoing. At this moment, there is no telling what is in Casimero’s future. There is the very real possibility that his fight with Butler will evaporate in rapid fashion.
Yet, if a conviction on these crimes occurs, that could be only the beginning. There is also the very real possibility that his career would functionally be over. Filipino authorities are currently dealing out harsh criminal penalties. By his likely time of release from a potential jail sentence, it’s almost a guarantee that Casimero will be well past fighting age. Therefore, for the sake of his freedom, career and legacy, this is certainly the biggest fight of his life that he needs to prevail in.
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By: Bakari Simpson
