FILE – John Riel Casimero. Photo from AFP
MANILA, Philippines—The controversial fight between John Riel Casimero and Japan’s Ryo Akaho in South Korea that was initially ruled a no contest last December 3 was overturned to a knockout.
The result was declared a knockout victory in favor of Casimero by the Korean Boxing Member Commission (KBM), which reviewed the matter upon the Games and Amusements Board’s appeal.
Akaho, himself, also admitted Casimero’s punches had already hurt him before he got accidentally hit at the back of his head in the second round of their super bantamweight bout.
“Mr. Akaho said that 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 that it was a KO defeat,” John Hwang, KBM chairman, said in a letter to GAB.
The referee was forced to rule the bout as a no contest when Akaho said he’s not able to continue after he was hit at the back of his head.
“After its review of the fight and the evidence presented to it, KBM has decided to declare a Casimero win by KO, thereby reaffirming KBM’s commitment to sportsmanship and fair play,” GAB said.
“GAB commends KBM chairman John Hwang and his team for their decisive action and stellar leadership.”
The 33-year-old Casimero hiked his record to 32-4, 22KOS.
His fight against Akaho was his first since he was stripped of his WBO bantamweight title last May.
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