There’s no stopping the All-Filipino world title unification showdown between Nonito Donaire and John Riel Casimero on August 14 in Carlson, California.
This after the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association formally announced that Casimero, who will stake his World Boxing Organization bantamweight belt, has already enrolled in the program and will undergo dope testing ahead of the fight night.
The bout was put in peril after Donaire’s wife and manager-trainer, Rachel, insisted on having Casimero undergo dope-testing by VADA.
It should be noted that Donaire has been in the VADA program for years to promote a healthy, fair competition.
One of Casimero’s handlers, although not mentioned and unproven, was rumored to be into doping, prompting Donaire’s camp to insist on drug testing.
Nevertheless, sources said both camps have already signed a contract that guarantees the unification bout, with winner expecting to have a date with Japanese monster Naoya Inoue (21 W-0 L, 19 KOs), considered as the top bantamweight in the world today.
Inoue is the current International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Association king.
Donaire (41W-6L, 27 KOs) will put his World Boxing Council title on the line against Casimero (30-4, 21 KOs), who has been chasing Inoue for years.
Donaire, who at 38 is the oldest bantamweight champion in history, on the other hand, is itching for a rematch against Inoue after losing a decision in their first match in November of 2019.
He came back with a fourth-round knockout of the then-undefeated WBC bantamweight titlist Nordine Oubaali on May 29 in Carson, California.
Even before the thorny issue of dope testing came about, there were already word wars raging on social media between the two camps, from allegations that Donaire snubbed Casimero, to the former unwilling to spar with the latter.
Expect more fireworks on social media as fight date nears.
