Rigondeaux's ex-sparring partner Gerry Peñalosa predicts knockout win for John Riel Casimero

Retired two-division champion Gerry Peñalosa is certain that WBO world bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero will beat Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux when they meet inside the ring on August 14 at Dignity Health Sports Park in California.

Peñalosa, who used to train under the tutelage of Freddie Roach, has sparred with the former super bantamweight champion in the past and cited that the Cuban is no longer the same fighter he traded leather with.

“Ten years ago it was Rigondeaux's time, but based on his last fight, he is not the same fighter I sparred. At 40 he looks older for his age,” Peñalosa said.

Asked what Casimero has to do to emerge victorious, Peñalosa gave his fellow Filipino some pointers to overcome Rigondeaux, who is best known for defeating Nonito Donaire Jr. via clear-cut unanimous decision in 2013.

“He has to force Rigondeaux to exchange punches. He has to be a brawler, not give him room to breathe or a chance to outbox him. He needs stamina and think that the fight is going twelve rounds,” said Peñalosa.

“I do not see him winning and outboxing Casimero. Casimero wins this fight by knockout.”

—JMB, GMA News