Casimero on the Brink: NBI Threatens License and December Fight John Riel Casimero’s December fight — and potentially his boxing license — hangs in the balance as the NBI intensifies its probe into alleged fight-fixing following his Kyrgyzstan loss. GAB chairman Francisco Rivera confirmed to the Daily Tribune that the agency has already escalated the matter to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), requesting a comprehensive digital forensic examination of the mobile phones belonging to Casimero and his brother-trainer Jayson Casimero. “We referred the matter to the NBI, including the examination of the phones of the Casimero brothers,” Rivera told reporter Nick Giongco, emphasizing that the probe will continue regardless of Casimero’s scheduled bout in December. The findings could determine whether Casimero ever fights in Japan again. GAB Opens Probe After Deleted Video Sparks Concern The inquiry stems from a now-deleted viral social media video in which Jayson Casimero appeared to imply that the former world champion “had to lose” his fight against Kyonosuke Kameda in Bishkek to secure a future opportunity. The Casimero camp maintains the remarks were misunderstood due to language barriers and emotion immediately after the fight. The GAB nonetheless moved quickly after receiving multiple formal complaints from concerned parties, which triggered the agency’s formal inquiry last week. According to Rivera, the brothers submitted a written statement and voluntarily agreed to hand over their devices for cyber analysis—cooperation that influenced the decision to allow Casimero’s December return. Sources close to the negotiations told WBN that the December date is locked unless the NBI flags anomalies. “In the meantime, and by reason of Casimero’s full cooperation, we are leaning towards allowing him to fight in December,” Rivera told the Daily Tribune. Exclusive Gibbons Reaction: ‘Just Another Bad Decision’ Speaking to World Boxing News, former manager Sean Gibbons again berated the former champion’s career direction. “This is just another in a long line of bad decisions,’ Gibbons told WBN, criticizing Casimero’s departure from Manny Pacquiao and MP Promotions. ‘You can’t help stupid.’ Gibbons specifically pointed to the controversial comments made by Jayson: “He’s got a brother, who is his life coach and trainer, who put out a story that they were losing on purpose because that’s part of something.” Gibbons, who managed Casimero to three world titles, says he still follows the fighter closely and fears his career trajectory could collapse without proper guidance. “They are just reckless, reckless people,” he added. The American promoter credits Casimero’s prime achievements—three world titles, fights in 10 countries, and a position as the Kyonosuke Kameda—to his tenure with MP Promotions. “Casimero was one month away from fighting Inoue when Covid hit. He was the man,” Gibbons said. “After that, he took advice from the wrong people and his career spiraled.” A Fighter at a Crossroads Casimero, who turns 37 in February, remains one of the Philippines’ most recognizable fighters. But his career has been repeatedly disrupted by weight issues, regulatory scrutiny, suspensions, and promotional instability—most recently a ban. His current record stands at 34-5-1 (23 KOs). WBN understands that preliminary device scans have already identified communication patterns that the NBI wants to examine further. The December fight represents Casimero’s first significant opportunity in Japan since serving a 12-month suspension, and could define the final stage of his career. WBN has learned from sources directly involved in the investigation that the NBI is already scrutinizing the Casimeros’ communications. What Happens Next The NBI cyber examination is ongoing, and the GAB has not ruled out penalties should evidence of wrongdoing emerge. Under Philippine law, deliberate fight-fixing requires proof of intent to defraud the betting public or regulatory bodies, a high standard the NBI must meet. A finding of deliberate fight-fixing could result in license revocation, one of the most severe sanctions available. Casimero now walks into December knowing his next fight — and possibly his license — depends on what investigators uncover in the coming weeks. Key Takeaways for the Sport: Integrity of international matchmaking Regulatory oversight across borders Career fate of one of Asia’s most electrifying fighters WBN will continue to follow the GAB and NBI’s findings as the investigation progresses. About the Author Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a veteran reporter with more than 15 years of experience covering boxing. He has interviewed dozens of world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside at the sport’s biggest events since founding WBN in 2010. Read full bio.

Casimero on the Brink: NBI Threatens License and December Fight https://www.worldbox #Casimero #boxing #fightfixing

John Riel Casimero Summoned to GAB Hearing Amid Fixing Probe The controversy surrounding John Riel Casimero has deepened, with the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) ordering the Filipino boxer and his brother Jason Casimero to appear for a formal hearing within five days. The move follows GAB’s earlier announcement that it was reviewing allegations of fight-fixing in Casimero’s October 25 featherweight bout against Kyonosuke Kameda in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan — a story first broken by Nick Giongco and passed to World Boxing News. Hearing Set After Public Outcry According to a Philippines-based insider who translated the official GAB notice for WBN, both Casimeros must appear in person to explain remarks made by Jason Casimero that seemed to imply the fight outcome was pre-arranged. “They (the Casimeros) have now received notice that they have to come in,” the insider told World Boxing News. “They have five days to justify the statements by Jason, and why he said they threw the fight. Whether it’s mixed-up words because he’s not a native Filipino speaker, I think they’ll need to prove with solid evidence that there was no fight-fixing — and I think it will be hard to do so.” The GAB’s letter, seen by WBN, signals that the governing body is treating the allegations as a serious breach of professional conduct, with potential license implications if wrongdoing is proven. Background: Deleted Post Sparked Investigation The ongoing probe stems from a since-deleted social media post made by Jason Casimero after the fight. In Tagalog, the trainer appeared to suggest that losing the bout was part of a “bigger plan” to rebuild his brother’s career. This comment immediately drew backlash across boxing circles. Casimero, 34-5-1 (23 KOs), had returned to the ring following a 12-month suspension by the Japan Boxing Commission for failing to make weight in 2023. Although he appeared aggressive throughout the Kameda fight, questions over his intent persisted after the post went viral. At the time, GAB chairman Francisco Rivera confirmed to the Daily Tribune that his office had received multiple emails requesting a formal investigation — prompting the body to gather fight footage and review Jason’s statements. Sean Gibbons Calls It a ‘Tragic Decline’ Casimero’s former promoter, Sean Gibbons, previously told WBN that the situation was “another in a long line of bad decisions” following the fighter’s departure from Manny Pacquiao Promotions. “When we promoted and managed him, John Riel won three world titles and defended them in ten countries,” Gibbons said. “He was one month away from fighting (Naoya) Inoue before Covid hit. Since then, bad advice and poor management have run his career into the ground. It’s really sad.” What Comes Next The GAB hearing will give the Casimero camp a narrow window to clarify Jason’s remarks and present evidence countering the allegations. Failure to satisfy regulators could lead to disciplinary action or license suspension under GAB rules. For now, the board has not made any formal accusations, but the outcome of this hearing will determine whether Casimero’s once-promising comeback faces another devastating setback. Casimero’s case sits at the intersection of boxing integrity and athlete accountability. While fans hope the hearing clears the Filipino star’s name, GAB’s insistence on transparency underscores a growing regional crackdown on misconduct in combat sports. The following five days will decide not only Casimero’s reputation, but potentially the future of his boxing career. About the Author Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. View all articles by Phil Jay and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.

John Riel Casimero Summoned to GAB Hearing Amid Fixing Probe https://www.worldbox #Casimero #boxing

Casimero Faces Fight-Fixing Inquiry; Sean Gibbons Calls Career Decisions ‘Dumb, Dumb’ Controversy has hit the boxing world squarely once again. The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) announced it will investigate alleged fight-fixing in John Riel Casimero’s recent featherweight bout in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. GAB chairman Francisco Rivera confirmed the probe on Saturday, following the receipt of two emails requesting a review of Casimero’s performance against Japanese fighter Kyonosuke Kameda on October 25. “We received two emails requesting us to investigate if there was game fixing in the last Casimero fight,” Rivera said, according to WBN friend Nick Giongco of the Daily Tribune, signaling the GAB is taking the allegations seriously. The Core of the Casimero Controversy The controversy stems from a now-deleted social media post by Casimero’s brother and lead trainer, Jason Casimero, who, in Tagalog — not his first language — appeared to suggest that losing the fight was part of a “bigger plan” to revive the Filipino star’s career. Although the post is no longer available, video evidence was reviewed by GAB. Despite the claims, Rivera noted that nothing in the fight suggested Casimero deliberately threw the bout. From the opening bell, the three-division world champion appeared aggressive and intent on winning. Kameda initially adopted a defensive approach before pressing forward late in the fight. This marked Casimero’s first fight in a year, after a 12-month Japan Boxing Commission suspension for failing to make weight against Saul Sanchez in Yokohama. “Game fixing is a serious offense and, if proved, will merit a revocation of license as a penalty,” Rivera said, adding that Casimero will be summoned as part of the evidence-gathering process. Sean Gibbons Exclusive Reaction WBN spoke exclusively to Sean Gibbons, Casimero’s former handler, on Sunday: “This is just another in a long line of bad decisions,” said Gibbons. “Since Casimero decided to leave Manny Pacquiao and Manny Pacquiao Promotions, you can’t help stupid. “He’s got a brother, who is his life coach/trainer, who put out a story that they were losing on purpose because that’s part of something. They are just dumb, dumb people,” he added. Casimero, 36, holds a career record of 34-5-1 with 23 KOs. Once lauded as one of the super-bantamweight division’s premier punchers, his career trajectory has taken a downturn since parting ways with Gibbons in 2021. A Challenger to Inoue’s Reign “When we promoted and managed him under MP Promotions, John Riel won three world titles and won in ten countries. He won belts and defended belts, but then he got some really stupid advice from outside of MP Promotions and his brother, who both thought they knew more than we did,” added Gibbons. “That genius has run his career completely into the ground, signing with different promoters and getting banned in the United States. “I’m really, really sad because you cannot save yourself from ignorant people around you sometimes. The fighter who doesn’t have the best knowledge of the situation sometimes makes bad decisions, and this is the guy who had the best chance of beating (Naoya) Inoue out of everyone whom Inoue has fought. He was the man! “Casimero was one month away from fighting Inoue when Covid hit, and then he was never able to come back and regain it because he got a lot of bad advice, but it happens.” The GAB’s Next Steps Though no formal wrongdoing has been proven, the GAB’s investigation has reignited debate over Casimero’s career decisions and the ethics of professional boxing internationally. Fans, observers, and regulators alike will be watching closely as the GAB reveals its findings — a process that could have severe implications for one of the Philippines’ most accomplished fighters. We’d like to acknowledge WBN friend Nick Giongco for helping break this story. About the Author Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. View all articles by Phil Jay and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.

Casimero Faces Fight-Fixing Inquiry; Sean Gibbons Calls Career Decisions ‘Dumb, Dumb’ https://www.worldbox #Casimero #boxing

#Sancho, #Rashford, #Maguire, #Onana, #Casimero, #Mainoo, and #Garnacho all could be sold this summer if newspaper rumours are correct…big IF because we know it’s that time of year when every news story is about someone coming in or leaving where #MUFC is concerned.

#boxing As expected, Naoya #Inoue delivered a KO against late replacement Ye Joon #Kim, in the 4th round, retaining his Undisputed title @ 122.

So fans ask: when is Inoue fighting contenders the likes of former 122 Unified World Champion MJ #Akhmadaliev or 3-division World Champion 4A #Casimero?