Paul Butler vs. Joseph Agbeko For WBO-118 Interim Belt after hospitalization of Johnriel Casimero

Briton Paul Butler will now face tough Ghanaian Joseph Agbeko in Dubai, after Filipino champ Johnriel Casimero of Ormoc was hospitalized hours before Friday’s weigh-in.

It seems that the problem was a case of gastritis.

Therefore, the Englishman Paul Butler will face Ghanaian Joseph Agbeko this Saturday in Dubai for the WBO interim bantamweight championship, after Filipino Johnriel Casimero had to be hospitalized a few hours before the weigh-in that took place this Friday, being unable of defending his championship.

The WBO received the report from the promoter Probellum that Casimero had to be taken to the hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, due to a medical condition that required it, so that he was not going to be available to do the mandatory defense.

However, it was also announced that former world champion 🇬🇭 Joseph Agbeko was set to replace Casimero.

Butler waited for a determination from the WBO whether he was going to declare the championship vacant… or allow him to fight against Agbeko for the Interim belt.

It seems that the WBO will approve Butler vs Agbeko for the interim Strap, with the winner facing Casimero in due time.

Both Butler and Agbeko weighed within the 118 pounds allowance and the winner will await the WBO’s official determination on Casimero’s case, as he will have a hearing to avoid the stripping of his belt.

Before the change of rival, Casimero was a wide favorite to defeat Britain’s Butler,l.

But now it is Paul Butler who comes out on top among betting fans and bookies.

The victorious of the Butler vs Agbeko war will be the new WBO 118 pounds interim champion.

Get well fast Johnriel!!