Casimero vs. Akaho result overturned to knockout

The controversial outing between former John Riel Casimero and Ryo Akaho has been overturned from no contest to second-round knockout, according to boxing records library Boxrec.com.

Casimero, a former three-division world champion, was going for the kill in his 10-round bout against Akaho earlier this month when one of the Filipino’s punches grazed the back of the Japanese’s head in round two.

Though the punch did not land cleanly, the referee issued a warning that seemingly triggered Akaho to claim that he is hurt and unable to continue. Casimero’s 122-pound debut was initially declared a no contest after Akaho was deemed unable to continue.

The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) mounted a protest regarding the outcome soon after, and as of Thursday, December 22, 2022, the result indicates that Casimero had won the fight by way of knockout.

“Akaho's surrender is not due to a punch in the back of his head. So the result of the fight was changed from 'No Contest' to 'Casimero's KO win' by the local commission, KBM (Korea Boxing Member's Commission),” Boxrec noted. —KBK, GMA Integrated News