Former three-division world champion John Riel Casimero is once again in the spotlight—but this time, not for his ring performance.
The controversial Filipino boxer recently drew criticism online after posting AI-generated images of himself being “endorsed” by Saudi boxing promoter Turki Al-Sheikh in a bid to land a spot in the undercard of the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford mega fight this September.
Alalshikh had earlier announced he was scouting global talents for the Riyadh card, prompting Casimero to publicly express interest.
“Wow can I join si r Turki Alalshikh
That is my biggest opportunity,” wrote Casimero on Facebook.
To get Al-Sheikh’s attention, Casimero’s official Facebook page—Quadro Alas it’s my boy, reportedly run by his brother Jason—shared several AI images between June 13 and 19, showing the boxer with the Saudi promoter.
In one edited photo, Al-Sheikh is seen raising Casimero’s hand in apparent victory. However, the image showed clear signs of manipulation, with a thumb appearing on the wrong side.
The post’s caption read:
“Quadro Alas Casimero tuluyan ng kinuha ni kamahalang turki-Al heikh para lumaban sa undercard sa laban niu Canelo vs. Crawford.”
See the post here.
Another AI image posted days later showed Casimero “signing a contract” with Al-Sheikh while his brother stood beside them. When called out, the page replied:
“Nakita ko lang yan, iyak agad kayo. Wag naman iyak agad, malaya nga kayo mag-comment dyan; hindi ko nga kayo bina-block kasi kikita ako sa inyo.”
See the post here.
The posts drew sharp backlash from local boxing fans, with some accusing Casimero and his brother of damaging his career further.
“Quadro Alas, it’s my boy, dinadamay mo naman si utol mo. Kumag ka talaga. Ikaw nagpapasira sa career ng kapatid mo,” wrote Elly Kurt Balino.
“Na-realize mo na ba na fake news yan? Lol, edit pa lang ng kamay puro kanan,” added Socrates Acquiatan.
“Dapat mag-seryoso ka na sa training mo para makuha mo ang tamang timbang… Sayang ang opportunity,” said Kristel White Cavalier.
Still, some fans expressed support:
“Sana makapasok ka idol kahit walang promoter,” commented Earl Tattooist.
“Lumaban ka man o hindi, idol pa din kita,” said Gen Mar Pacardo.
Casimero has struggled to secure fights after parting ways with MP Promotions, compounded by recurring weight issues.
His last fight was in October 2024 against Saul Sanchez, where he missed the 122-pound super bantamweight limit. Although he won by first-round knockout, Casimero was suspended by the Japan Boxing Commission for one year due to the weight mishap.
As of now, there’s no official indication from Al-Sheikt’s camp that Casimero is being considered for the undercard.
The post Casimero binatikos dahil sa AI-edited na litrato kasama si Turki Al-Sheikh first appeared on Fastbreak.
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