World Boxing Organization bantamweight champion Johnriel Casimero loves to make noise and challenge anyone on social media.
And he means anyone, including two internet sensations and a young, rising boxing star.
Casimero believes Japanese boxing superstar Naoya Inoue has been trying to elude him. As a result, the native of Ormoc City ended up setting a fight with World Boxing Association “regular” titlist Guillermo Rigondeux in August instead.
So while priming himself up for his blue-chip fight with the Cuban legend, Casimero is basking under the colorful lights of social media.
With his usual air of bravado, Casimero called out Philippine Boxing Federation bantamweight king Carl Jammes “Wonder Boy” Martin.
“Wonder Boy mag-handa handa ka na! Ikaw talaga ang pinunta ko sa Manila ‘wag na puro rason! Na-balitaan mo lang na papunta na ako ng Manila, parang R-U-N ka na, hahaha. Ako gawin mong ka-sparring. Puro ka lang pabida, sino ba ‘yang ka-sparring mo na naman… ako bugbugin mo kung kaya mo!,” posted Casimero on his Angas ng Pinas Batang Ormoc Facebook page.
It was not clear what prompted Casimero to pick on the young prospect. Or it could have been a friendly tease and Casimero probably wanted to test the mettle of Martin, who is being touted as the next Manny Pacquiao and is undefeated in 17 boxing matches.
The case was different with internet celebrity Kiko Matos, who allegedly belittled the skills of amateur boxers.
Casimero got wind of this and immediately posted a challenge.
“Shout out Kiko Matos at ‘yang alalay mo kung sino man ‘yan. Oh dito niyo patunayan tapang niyo, ‘wag ‘yung puro mahihinang nilalang nilalabanan nyo. Kung gusto niyo, tayo mag-sparring!” challenged Casimero.
Matos had two exhibition matches in the past. The first one was again fellow actor Baron Geisler, whom he defeated in an MMA bout in June 2016. The most recent was against Fliptop rapper Damsa.
Meanwhile, youtube celebrity Billy Jack Sanchez is another story. He initiated the challenge against Casimero.
The world champion responded. “Naghahanap ka talaga ng sakit ng katawan Billy JackAss!!!”
Sanchez, however, asked for certain conditions. He wants to use 10-ounce gloves and wear a headgear, while Casimero must use 16-ounce gloves without headgear. “Kung ikaw ang angas ng Pinas, ako ang angas ng internet world. Bilisan mo, naiinip na ako. Nandito lang ako sa Pampanga,” said Sanchez.
Internet celebrity fighters taking on professional fighters is becoming a fad globally. Just recently, youtube star Jake Paul knocked out pro MMA fighter Ben Askren in an exhibition boxing match in Atlanta, Georgia.
Casimero and Paul are good friends.
Jake’s brother, Logan, also a famous youtuber, will be facing boxing legend Floyd Mayweather in June.