In Dubai, there are rumors swirling that WBO bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero (pictured) could not make the 118-pound limit as required to defend his title against Paul Butler tomorrow, and instead checked himself into a Dubai hospital. Here is what we know as of Friday afternoon: Casimero definitely will not fight Butler. Instead, Butler will face former IBF titleholder Joseph Agbeko for the WBO interim bantamweight championship on Saturday in Dubai. If Casimero cannot show a legtimate medical excuse to the WBO, he will be stripped and the Bulter-Agbeko winner likely elevated to the full WBO title. The WBO issued the following “show cause” order to Casemiro today [slightly paraphrased for readability]:

 

"On Thursday, December 9th, the WBO confirmed receipt of e-mail correspondence on behalf of Probellum's chief legal officer, Harrison Whitman, indicating that you [Casimero] have been admitted to the American hospital in Dubai… and that you were unable to participate in a scheduled WBO bantamweight championship bout against Paul Butler on Saturday, December 11th. In light of your alleged medical condition and unavailability... Probellum informed the WBO that current #10 rated WBO contender Joseph Agbeko is ready, willing and able to participate against Butler. Therefore Probellum seeks authorization for a sanction for the WBO bantamweight championship title belt between Butler and Agbeko. Having considered these circumstances and the conditions stated in the purse bid minutes from Thursday, October 7th, this committee will issue a sanction for an interim bantamweight championship bout to the Butler-Agbeko contest. You [Casemiro] are hereby ordered to show cause within the next 10 days and to submit medical certification of your condition from the institution where your were admitted for treatment. You are also warned that failure to comply with the conditions set forth in this letter will result in a WBO declaring its bantamweight championship vacant or elevating the winner of the interim championship bout between Butler and at Becco to full status as the bantam weight champion."

 

The issue first came to light when Probellum retweeted without comment that Casimero "was taken hospital last night and ruled out tomorrow nights fight."