Luis Nery vs John Riel Casimero Set For April 18 In Kyrgyzstan

Two former multi-division champions meet at junior featherweight during a three-day international boxing event in Bishkek

Luis Nery returns to the junior featherweight division on April 18 when he faces John Riel Casimero in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The matchup brings together two former champions looking to move back toward the title picture at 122 pounds.

The fight is scheduled for the Gazprom Sports Complex as part of a three-day boxing event promoted by 3150Fight, the company run by retired Japanese champion Koki Kameda. The series runs from April 17 through April 19 and is expected to feature several international fighters across multiple cards.

Nery (37-2, 28 KOs), a former bantamweight and junior featherweight champion from Tijuana, remains a recognizable contender at 122 pounds despite his loss to undisputed champion Naoya Inoue in May 2024. Nery scored a knockdown in the opening round of that fight before Inoue rallied and stopped him in the sixth.

The Mexican puncher stayed active in 2025 while campaigning above the division. He stopped Kyonosuke Kameda in seven rounds and later earned a wide technical decision over Sathaporn Saart. Both fights took place at featherweight, but the meeting with Casimero brings him back to the junior featherweight limit.

Casimero (35-5-1, 24 KOs) arrives with championship history of his own. The Filipino veteran held titles at 108, 112 and 118 pounds earlier in his career and remains known for his aggressive approach and willingness to trade shots once the exchanges begin.

His recent stretch has produced mixed results. In October 2024, Casimero stopped Saul Sanchez after missing weight for the bout, which led to a one-year suspension. When he returned the following October, he lost a decision to Kyonosuke Kameda in a fight contested around featherweight.

Casimero regained momentum in December with a fifth-round knockout of Tom Mizokoshi. The upcoming fight with Nery would mark his first appearance at the junior featherweight limit since late 2023.

Both fighters carry knockout power and experience at the championship level. Nery typically starts behind the jab before stepping into range and letting combinations go, while Casimero presses forward and works to pull opponents into exchanges where his power can check a chin.

The April 18 matchup stands as one of the featured bouts during the three-night event in Bishkek. Promoters have not yet confirmed the main event for the opening card on April 17, though additional fights are expected to be announced as the schedule fills out.