Filipinos Nonito Donaire, Johnriel Casimero to slug it out in title unification bout in August

Two Filipino boxers will duke it out in the ring with titles on the line.

Newly-crowned WBC bantamweight titlist Nonito Donaire Jr. confirmed that he would be slugging it out against fellow Filipino puncher Johnriel Casimero in a unification bout slated on August 14 in Carson, California (August 15, Manila time).

Mike Coppinger of The Athletic first broke the news, saying that the 38-year-old orthodox will be stepping in for Guillermo Rigondeaux to unify the 118-pound titles with Casimero.

"Two massive punchers; both Filipinos. Fittingly bout headed to War Grounds in Carson, California. Showtime main event," he posted.

Donaire supported the report three hours after it was released with a tweet of his own.

"My team does magic. Thank you to Richard Shaefer, Rachel Donaire, PVC, TGB and Showtime. Started camp last week. Belt #2 coming soon," Donaire posted with a photo of him and Casimero.

My team does magic. Thank you to Richard Shaefer, Rachel Donaire, PBC, TGB and Showtime. Started camp last week. Belt #2 coming soon. pic.twitter.com/utOHearTSz

— Nonito Donaire (@filipinoflash) June 19, 2021

Donaire, who boasts a record of 41 wins, six losses and 27 knockouts, is fresh from reclaiming the WBC title with a fourth-round knockout over Nordine Oubaali, who tasted his first loss en route to a 17-1 with 12 knockouts.

Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Casimero plucked his WBO title in 2019 via technical knockout against Zolani Tete of South Africa. He was able to defend it last year against Duke Micah of Ghana via another TKO.

Donaire squaring off with Casimero will beone of the most high-profile bouts for Philippine boxing.

Coincidentally, their fight will come a week before boxing legend Manny Pacquiao tackle American boxer Errol Spence Jr. on August 21.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News