John Riel Casimero calls out Inoue again after dispatching Luis Nery

FILE–John Riel Casimero celebrates before a split decision win against Guillermo Rigondeaux in the 12th round during their WBO Bantamweight title 12 round bout at Dignity Health Sports Park on August 14, 2021 in Carson, California. Michael Owens/Getty Images/AFP

MANILA, Philippines–Following a turbulent last several years, John Riel Casimero reintroduced himself with a resounding win over former two-division world champion Luis Nery on Saturday at Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname, Japan.

Casimero knocked down Nery six times on his way to a fourth-round stoppage in a dominant showing that reminded boxing fans of who he was before a string of controversies cost him his world title status and impeded his rise in the sport.

READ: John Riel Casimero’s future unclear despite stoppage win

The high-profile victory in the 10-round 124-pound catchweight bout also signalled a resurgence for Casimero, who showed he still packs a serious punch at 37 years old.

After obliterating Nery, Casimero wasted no time in calling out pound-for-pound king Naoya Inoue.

“It’s up to my promoter, but we all know who I want next and the one I have been wanting to fight,” said Casimero (36-5-1, 25KOs) in Filipino during the post-fight interview.

“But this win just showed why Naoya Inoue was scared to fight me. That’s why,” he added.

READ: John Riel Casimero’s bid to fight Naoya Inoue hits snag

Back in April 2020, Casimero and Inoue were set for a unification fight that was scuppered by the Covid pandemic. Plans to reschedule the clash also didn’t push through.

The Merida, Leyte native fought in Japan just for the second time since returning from a one-year ban after failing to make weight in an October 2024 bout against Saul Sanchez in Yokohama.

Casimero chalked up his second consecutive TKO win since signing with Kameda Promotions in August 2025.