Johnriel Casimero’s boxing comeback ended in a disappointing unanimous decision loss. (Johnriel Casimero photo)

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Controversial Filipino boxing star Johnriel Casimero may have returned to the ring, but the result wasn’t what the majority expected.

On Oct. 25, 2025, the predictions that Casimero would display an inspired performance in Kyrgyzstan went to waste after Japan’s Kyonosuke Kameda clinched a unanimous decision victory in their super featherweight showdown.

Crafty and equipped with in-game strategy adjustments, the Japanese boxer neutralized Casimero’s power with fluid footwork and head movement while also landing more efficient punches as the rounds progressed.

It was Casimero who struck first in the opening rounds after rocking Kameda with his signature power punches, but the turning point of the match came in the third round when the Japanese slugger found his desired hitting range.

As a result, the momentum shifted to Kameda midway through the third frame when he let his hands go and created more offense.

Kameda set the tone with quick jabs, followed by a jab-straight combination that landed on Casimero’s jaw at will.

When the fifth round began, Kameda started to take control of the tempo and frustrated Casimero by refusing to engage in the middle of the ring.

Little did Casimero know it was part of Kameda’s plan to stay out of danger and pick his spots, capitalizing on his longer reach advantage.

Surprisingly, Casimero failed to adjust in the later rounds and took a facial beating from Kameda’s raining jabs.

The former three-division world champion entered an emergency state in Round 9, but the Japanese fighter wisely evaded more attacks and settled into throwing efficient left straight shots.

All three ringside judges scored the bout in favor of Kameda, 99-92, 98-92, 97-93, officially halting his two-match losing streak and improving his record to 16 wins, nine knockouts, and five defeats.

On the other hand, Casimero, who officially ended his year-long boxing hiatus, dropped to 34 wins, 23 knockouts, and five losses.