Boxing fans will experience thrilling square-offs at the ring as two Pinoy boxers are set to clash against two different opponents on their comeback fights.
WBC champion Nonito Donaire and WBO titlist John Riel Casimero will be returning to the ring against different opponents on the same set date, Dec. 11.
To recall, both Pinoy fighters have exchanged hot conversations but later on, got reconciled.
Donaire will defend his belt against compatriot Reymart Gaballo in the main event tripleheader hosted by Showtime while Casimero’s bout against English foe Paul Butler was earlier announced to be held by new promotion Probellum.
While Donaire will square off Gaballo at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, Probellum has yet to decide whether to hold the Casimero-Butler match in Liverpool, England or in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
With 41-6-27 card, Donaire is fresh from victory after knocking out Nordine Oubaali to capture the WBC title in May while the undefeated Gaballo (24-0, 20 KOs) became the mandatory challenger after winning the vacant interim bantamweight crown with a split decision win against Emmanuel Rodriguez last December.
Meanwhile, fighting for his belt in the third time, Casimero scored a split decision win over Guillermo Rigondeaux in August.
In an unexpected turn of events, unified bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue will be headlining a show of his own in Japan for the first time since squaring off with Donaire there — a bout that earned the “Fight of the Year” honors.
Inoue’s fight will be at the famed Olympic venue Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on Dec. 14, three days after Donaire and Casimero’s respective title defense. He will face reigning Japanese champion Thai foe Aran Dipaen with a 12-2, 11 KOs record.
Inoue, owns the super WBA, IBF, and The Ring belts, remains unbeaten in 21 matches with 18 KOs.IMT Sports
