Casimero stays as WBO interim champ after KO of Ramirez

John Riel Casimero is still a world champ. Ivan Saldajeno
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--John Riel Casimero remains the WBO interim bantamweight champion after knocking out Mexican Cesar Ramirez in their showdown at the San Andres Sports Complex on Saturday night.

Casimero finished off Ramirez with a solid left uppercut and a right hook late in the 10th round that actually knocked the latter out cold.

The knockout came after three knockdowns in Rounds 3, 5, and 7.

Casimero moved up to 28-4, while Ramirez dropped to 18-4.

In the co-main event, Vincent Astrolabio stays as the WBO oriental bantamweight titlist after a fifth round knockout of fellow Filipino Kevin Asiniero.

Astrolabio now has 14 wins against three losses, while Asiniero lost for the third time against nine wins and one draw.

In another clash, Orlie Silvestre and Ronald Alapormina settled for a split draw.

In a tight showdown that went the distance Silvestre and Alapormina each had a 58-56 scorecard to their favor, while the third judge scored it 57-all.

Silvestre now has a 14-5-2 win-loss-draw slate, while Alapormina is now at 4-3-3.

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