The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has ordered bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero to provide a medical certification as a proof following his short-notice withdrawal from the title defense against English foe Paul Butler at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
In a letter dated Friday, Dec. 10, the Championship Committee led by WBO chairman Luis Batista Salas issued a show cause order to Casimero after being reportedly taken to the American Hospital Dubai.
Casimero was also asked to file a medical record to the WBO from the said hospital.
The incident also put Casimero's WBO title at risk of losing.
"Lastly, if Casimero fails to comply with the conditions stated in the “Show Cause” notice letter, this Committee shall declare the WBO Bantamweight Championship Title “Vacant” “Ipso Facto” without further notice, citation, or hearing, and with the Committee elevating the winner of the Interim Championship Contest between Butler/Agbeko to full WBO Bantamweight Championship Status," the WBO explained in the letter.
READ: Casimero unable to make weight, out of title defense vs Butler
Ghanaian boxer Joseph Agbeko, in the process, stepped up as Casimero's replacement against Butler.
The 31-year-old Casimero holds a 31-4 record with 21 knockouts.
Meanwhile, Filipino pugilist Jayson Mama and IBF world flyweight champion Sunny Edwards are all set for their title fight in the same card.
Both fighters made the grade during the weigh-in at 111.5 lbs.