Analyst criticizes Casimero's opponent Ryo Akaho for 'acting job' in South Korea

Veteran boxing analyst Atty. Ed Tolentino did not mince words in expressing his disapproval over the controversial outing between former-three division champion John Riel Casimero and Ryo Akaho this past weekend in Incheon, South Korea.

Casimero, who has not fought since August 2021, was on an all-out attack in round two but the contest had to be halted after one of his punches slipped the back of Akaho’s head. The Japanese took a break and then opted not to continue which resulted in the fight ending in a no contest.

“We were looking for an explosive comeback. However, the fight was anticlimactic. The opening round was good, we saw Casimero's power with his left hooks that backed Akaho. As early as the first round, Akaho was already thinking of an exit route,” Tolentino told Sparring Sessions.

“Casimero unleashed good shots in round two but one of them was slightly behind the head and that was where Akaho's acting job started. It was baffling because he had a delayed reaction as if he was just scratching his head then he started acting up.”

According to Tolentino, the drama in South Korea denied boxing fans of a good fight and Casimero of a proper ring return.

“Casimero was denied of a great comeback win. Now he is back to square one because the bout was declared a no contest. Akaho chose the easy way out. Akaho is 36 years old and on a winning streak but against weak opposition,” he said.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News