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Whether you love him or hate him, one thing is undeniable—John Riel Casimero, also known as "Quadro Alas," is one of the best boxers to come from the Philippines. A three-division world champion with a flair for theatrics, his flamboyance and arrogance set him apart in a country where most fighters choose to embody humility and reserve.
Humble Beginnings
It wasn’t always this way. Born on February 13, 1989, in Merida, Leyte, Philippines, John Riel Casimero grew up in humble circumstances, like many boxers before him. Inspired by the legendary Manny Pacquiao, he turned to boxing as a means to uplift his life.
Casimero quickly made a name for himself in the Philippine boxing scene, debuting at 108 lbs under Samson Gelo-ani Promotions in Mandaue. He remained undefeated early in his career and, in just three years as a professional, captured the WBO Interim Light Flyweight Title in Managua, Nicaragua, by defeating Cesar Canchilla. At only 20 years old, Casimero had already shown signs of being a rare and gifted fighter—a diamond in the rough.
Setbacks and Defeats
Despite his early success, Casimero’s rise to the top was not without obstacles. His reign as an interim world champion was short-lived, as he suffered back-to-back defeats. The first came via split decision in Mexico against Ramón García, followed by a loss in Johannesburg, South Africa, against Moruti Mthalane. In a shocking turn of events, Casimero quit in the fifth round—a fight that could have made him a legitimate world champion.
The Road Warrior Era
After bouncing back with a victory in the Philippines, Casimero embarked on a worldwide journey that earned him the moniker "Road Warrior." Fighting in hostile territories such as Argentina, Panama, Mexico, Thailand, China, and the United Kingdom, he captured and defended the IBF Flyweight World Title. Unlike many Filipino boxers who struggled to secure victories abroad, Casimero thrived, winning 15 of his 18 fights on foreign soil—an impressive feat that solidified his status as an elite fighter.
The ‘Angas’ Era
In 2017, Casimero suffered a controversial defeat against his fellow Filipino, Jonas Sultan. His career seemed uncertain, with only one fight in 2018. Rumors of contractual disputes began to swirl, adding more uncertainty to his path. However, his fortunes changed when he was signed by Sean Gibbons of MP Promotions.
From 2019 to 2021, Casimero finally achieved his long-awaited breakthrough, fighting in the United States against top-tier opponents such as Zolani Tete and Guillermo Rigondeaux. His success brought newfound recognition, and with it came a transformation. The once-reserved boxer became a brash, outspoken showman. Filipino boxing, long associated with humility, now had its own trash-talking champion. "Angas ng Pinas" was born, and fans took notice.
The Social Media Chaos Era
However, beneath the glitz and glamour of his newfound fame, trouble was brewing. Reports surfaced of contractual disputes and financial disagreements, which soured his relationship with his former promoters. While Casimero continued to win inside the ring, his social media persona began taking center stage.
His brother, Jayson Casimero, started vlogging, inspired by sports media influencer Pow Salud of Powcast Sports. Pow, once a close supporter, had provided training camp coverage and vlogging advice to the Casimero brothers. Their early content was filled with camaraderie, featuring figures like Mark Yao (now known as "Silvervoice"), the right-hand man of Sean Gibbons in the Philippines. However, what began as a friendly alliance eventually turned into a bitter feud. Former allies became vocal critics, and personal disputes played out on social media for all to see.
The Rise of the ‘Angas ng Pinas’ Fandom
Without delving into legal intricacies, Casimero found a new home with Treasure Boxing Promotions (TBP) in Japan. This marked a new chapter in his career, one that promised stability. TBP provided him with four fights, and according to Casimero, they paid him the highest purses of his career. However, despite this opportunity, his team was not content to simply move forward. Instead, they waged a public battle against his former promoter, engaging in a social media war that further divided his fanbase.
Casimero’s vlogs, once a source of positive engagement, became battlegrounds of propaganda and controversy. His supporters remained loyal, but many others distanced themselves. As the seasons of this real-life boxing telenovela progressed, allies turned into foes, and the narrative shifted from action-packed drama to comedy, then to something resembling a tragic spectacle.
What If?
Despite my reservations about how Casimero's story has unfolded, I cannot deny the interest he has generated. In the post-Pacquiao era, no other Filipino boxer has captured the attention of fans quite like him. Every time he steps into the ring, it's an event, regardless of the magnitude of the fight. But one can’t help but wonder: What if?
Today, February 13, 2025, as Casimero celebrates his 36th birthday, I genuinely wish him good health and success. More than anything, I hope he secures one last major fight before hanging up his gloves. But above all, my greatest wish for him is to embrace professionalism as a world champion.
Casimero should ignore the noise and focus on his craft. He should let his critics talk—because as long as they do, it means he is still relevant. One day, the voices will fade, and he will realize how fortunate he was to command such attention.
But I can’t help but ask:
What if he had handled his contractual issues with professionalism?
What if he had avoided the distractions of social media and focused solely on his boxing career?
What if he had maintained relationships with old friends instead of burning bridges?
What if he had changed trainers or aligned himself with a team that prioritized discipline and strategy?
What if he had stayed with MP Promotions?
Would we have seen him in his dream fight against Naoya Inoue? While it may be too late for that, it’s never too late to seek personal growth, mend broken relationships, and—most importantly—turn to God for guidance.
I purposely did not create a vlog on this because my intention is not to chase views or money. I simply wanted to share my thoughts on a fighter whose story has captivated so many.
Happy Birthday, Quadro Alas. Boxing is a small world—we are bound to cross paths again. May we all learn to accept the past and move forward while we still can.
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