The Philippine boxing world got a shock on Sunday as news circulated online that compatriots World Boxing Council (WBC) bantamweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. and World Boxing Organization world bantamweight title holder Johnriel “Quadro Alas” Casimero will be clashing in a unification title bout on August 14.

This would be the first time two Filipinos with title belts will be clashing in world title bout.

Guillermo Rigondeaux of Cuba was the original opponent of Casimero on August 14 but he stepped aside for the all-Filipino title bout for reasons not yet officially disclosed. Rigondeaux, who beat Donaire in a title bout in April 2013, is the World Boxing Association world bantamweight champion.

Donaire, now 38, is coming off an impressive knockout win over French-Morrocan Nordine Oubaali last May 29, 2021 to win the WBC title. His record is 41-6 with 27 knockouts.

Casimero, now 32, successfully defended his WBO title in September 2020 by stopping Duke Micah. His record is 30-4 with 21 knockouts.

Donaire has won world titles in five divisions while Casimero won world titles in three divisions.

Donaire said he has started preparing for his bout with Casimero.

“Started camp last week. Belt No. 2 is coming,” he said.