Casimero stops Tete to win WBO bantamweight belt

NEW WORLD CHAMP. John Riel Casimero celebrates a previous victory in this photo. Casimero on Sunday (Dec. 1, 2019, PH time) knocked out Zolani Tete of South Africa to win the WBO bantamweight title in Birmingham, England. (PNA photo by Ivan Stewart Saldajeno)

MANILA — Filipino John Riel Casimero is now the official World Boxing Organization bantamweight champion after knocking out erstwhile champ Zolani Tete in their bout on Sunday (Philippine Time) in Birmingham, England.

Casimero, who was the interim champion due to injuries Tete suffered that forced him to withdraw from the World Boxing Super Series, stunned his South African opponent, who was doing fine after the first two rounds, with a right uppercut to his temple that knocked him down in the third round.

Tete still got to stand up during the 10-count but staggered anew that Referee Steve Gray had to pick him up after a slip.

Tete was knocked down again after a flurry from Casimero and Gray finally stopped the bout at the 2:10 mark of Round 3 after Casimero launched another series of punches.

It was the third world title for Casimero who previously held International Boxing Federation light flyweight and light flyweight crowns.

Casimero moved up to 29-4, scoring his 20th knockout, while Tete fell to 28-4.