Casimero could be barred from April 22 bout

John Riel Casimero used a sauna close to his scheduled bout later this week, the British Boxing Board of Control alleged, jeopardizing the Filipino world champion's title defense on Friday.

Citing the board's findings, the World Boxing Organization wrote a show-cause order dated Tuesday and addressed to Egis Klimas, Casimero's manager.

Casimero was due to battle Paul Butler at Echo Arena, Liverpool, England.

According to the board, because of Casimero's actions, "he will not be permitted to compete accordingly."

"The BBBoC has indicated that Casimero has completed two check weights since arriving in UK and these proceedings have shown an alarming reduction in weight of 10 pounds in three days," Luis Batista-Salas, chairman of the WBO championship committee, wrote in the letter obtained by ABS-CBN News.

Salas said Casimero has 48 hours to show cause as to why his WBO title should not be declared vacant.

The British boxing board strictly forbids boxers from using saunas to lose weight, and fighters who break or are suspected of breaking this rule "will be refused permission to box without exception."

Meanwhile, Jonas Sultan is set to replace Casimero, Sean Gibbons, head of MP Promotions told ABS-CBN News.

“We knew Casimero was gonna have issues, so he went to England a week ago. He’s been preparing mentally the whole time to fight for the belt, so there’s no problems at all,” Gibbons said.

As of posting time, the WBO did not confirm whether Casimero was out of the bout and whether Sultan was to replace him.

At the time this story was posted, ABS-CBN News was trying to reach Casimero's camp.