Naoya Inoue Calls Out John Riel Casimero Again: ‘The Fight I Want Now Is Casimero!’ – Is This the Japan vs. Philippines Bout Boxing Fans Have Been Waiting For?

In the fast-paced world of boxing, fans are always on the lookout for the next big fight. For years, one of the most anticipated bouts has been the clash between Japan’s Naoya Inoue and Filipino champion John Riel Casimero. While the two have been linked for a potential showdown for some time, it wasn’t until recently that Inoue reignited the call for the fight he has wanted for years, stating once again, “The fight I want now is Casimero.” His declaration has reignited excitement among fans, sparking the question: will boxing finally witness this explosive matchup between two of the best bantamweight boxers in the world?

The Background: Inoue’s Desire for the Fight

Naoya Inoue, widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, became the unified bantamweight champion in 2019. After that impressive victory, he made it clear that one of his main goals was to face fellow world champion John Riel Casimero. “I told the president of Top Rank to do it,” Inoue said back then, pointing out that he wanted the fight to happen immediately. The boxing world was electrified by the potential of a Japan vs. Philippines showdown, a battle of two undefeated champions at the top of their game.

For many, the idea of a Japanese and Filipino rivalry in the ring is one of the most exciting in recent boxing history. The Philippines has long been a powerhouse in boxing, with legends like Manny Pacquiao paving the way for future stars like Casimero. Meanwhile, Inoue has built his own legacy in Japan, earning the nickname “The Monster” for his devastating knockout power and technical prowess. A fight between these two champions seemed inevitable, and fans were eagerly awaiting the match.

The Delay: Pandemic and Scheduling Issues

However, the fight between Inoue and Casimero never came to fruition in 2019, despite the hype. Scheduling conflicts, the complexities of aligning promoters, and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic created major obstacles. As the world shut down, many of boxing’s biggest matches were delayed or canceled altogether. Inoue’s own career was also impacted, with him only recently returning to the ring in 2022 after a series of postponements. During this time, both Inoue and Casimero remained active, but neither fighter managed to secure a fight with each other.

For fans of the sport, the delay was disappointing, but it wasn’t the end of the story. Over the past few years, both Inoue and Casimero have continued to dominate their respective divisions, remaining at the top of the bantamweight rankings. Casimero, in particular, solidified his reputation with impressive victories over fighters like Zolani Tete and Guillermo Rigondeaux. Inoue, meanwhile, continued his reign as the “Monster” of the division, knocking out opponents with relentless ferocity and showcasing his superior boxing skills. The anticipation only grew.

Inoue’s Recent Call: A New Hope for Fans

Now, after years of speculation and waiting, Inoue has reignited the conversation about a potential fight with Casimero. Speaking recently, Inoue made it clear that he is still very much interested in fighting the Filipino champion, and his desire is stronger than ever. “The fight I want now is Casimero,” he said, reaffirming his long-standing wish to face him in the ring.

Inoue’s comments have come at a time when both fighters are at the peak of their careers, and the timing couldn’t be better for this fight to finally happen. With both boxers coming off strong performances and holding world titles, there is a renewed sense of urgency to make this fight a reality. The rivalry between the two nations adds to the appeal, as fans of both fighters eagerly debate who would come out on top in a bout of this magnitude.

What Would This Fight Mean for Boxing?

If this fight were to happen, it would not only be a monumental moment for the bantamweight division, but for boxing as a whole. Both Inoue and Casimero have established themselves as elite fighters, with each holding multiple world titles in different weight classes. A bout between the two would be a clash of titans, a battle of undefeated champions, and one of the most thrilling matchups in recent memory.

For Inoue, a victory over Casimero would further solidify his place as one of the sport’s greatest. He already holds a dominant position in the bantamweight division, but beating Casimero would be another step toward becoming an all-time great. For Casimero, this fight represents a chance to secure his place among the sport’s elite and prove that he belongs at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings.

Beyond the individual fighters, the fight would be a massive event for boxing fans worldwide. The Japan vs. Philippines rivalry has always been a source of great interest, and a showdown between Inoue and Casimero would captivate the attention of not just their respective nations but fans all around the world.

Is the Fight Really Going to Happen?

While both fighters have expressed interest in facing each other, there are still many logistical hurdles to clear before the fight becomes a reality. The promoters, networks, and teams will need to work out the details, including negotiating the venue, the date, and the financial terms. In addition, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may still pose challenges, as large-scale events require careful planning and safety protocols.

That said, the growing demand from fans, coupled with Inoue’s recent comments, suggests that this fight may be closer to happening than ever before. With both fighters eager to prove themselves in the ring, it’s only a matter of time before the match could become a reality.

Conclusion: The Fight Boxing Fans Have Been Waiting For

Naoya Inoue and John Riel Casimero have long been two of boxing’s brightest stars. Both fighters have earned their place among the best in the sport, and a fight between them would be a showdown for the ages. Inoue’s call for a fight with Casimero has reignited excitement and hope among fans that this long-anticipated matchup will finally come to fruition.

Whether or not the fight happens remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the potential for a Japan vs. Philippines showdown is something that boxing fans have been waiting for. If the fight takes place, it could be one of the most explosive and exciting bouts in recent boxing history. Boxing is ready for this fight, and so are the fans.