Casimero credits Kameda for career revival after WBO ranking rise

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Former three-division world champion John Riel “Quadro Alas” Casimero is inching closer to a long-awaited showdown with Japanese boxing superstar Naoya Inoue after climbing to No. 4 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior featherweight rankings.

Fresh off a sensational knockout victory over former two-division world champion Luis Nery of Mexico on June 6 in Tokoname, Casimero took to Facebook to express his gratitude to promoter Koki Kameda of Kameda Promotions for helping revive his once-stalled boxing career.

In his heartfelt post, Casimero credited Kameda for believing in him when many in the boxing world had already written him off.

READ: Casimero calls out Inoue anew, says knockout of Nery proves his point

“To Koki Kameda, this No. 4 WBO world ranking is not just my achievement. It’s yours too. When I was at my lowest, you were the one who believed in me. You gave me an opportunity when many people had already counted me out. Your trust, support, and confidence gave me the motivation to climb back to the top,” wrote Casimero.

Casimero signed with Kameda Promotions in mid-2025 and made his promotional debut with a unanimous decision loss to Kyonosuke Kameda in Kyrgyzstan. Despite the setback, the Filipino veteran quickly regained his footing, winning his next two fights by knockout.

He stopped Tom Mizokoshi in the fifth round last December before delivering an emphatic knockout of Nery in Tokoname. Those victories propelled him back into the WBO rankings in the division where he once held the world title.

The climb has reignited hopes of a blockbuster clash with the undefeated Inoue, a fight Filipino boxing fans have anticipated for years.

For now, however, Casimero still has several contenders ahead of him in the WBO rankings, including Australia’s Sam Goodman at No. 3, Japan’s Junto Nakatani at No. 2, and fellow Filipino Carl Jammes Martin at No. 1.

READ: Casimero-Nery fight moved to Japan on June 6

Still, the 37-year-old former champion remains determined to continue his resurgence and earn another shot at world title glory.

“I truly appreciate everything you have done for me. This ranking is only the beginning. I will continue working hard, and I promise to give my best in every fight. My goal is to become a world champion again and prove that your belief in me was never misplaced,” Casimero said.

“I am proud to represent 3150 Promotions under the leadership of Koki Kameda. Thank you for standing by me. The journey isn’t over. We’re just getting started. Let’s make history together.”

Casimero owns a professional record of 36 wins, including 25 by knockout, with five losses and one draw.

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