Jonas Sultan Replaces John Riel Casimero In Paul Butler Bout After Medical Violation

Paul Butler was almost without a fight for the second time.

WBO bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero was denied permission by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) to defend his title after a medical guidelines’ violation.

“Wherefore, considering the preceding request, the WBO World Championship Committee hereby grants sanction approval for the subject matter bout between Paul Butler and first available World Bantamweight Contender

Jonas Sultan to be held on Friday, April 22, 2022, at the Echo Arena [M&S Bank Arena] in Liverpool, England, United Kingdom,” Luis Batista-Salas stated in a letter to the representatives for Butler and Sultan, obtained by Boxing Scene.

Casimero said his weight at his last check was 119.8 pounds, which was similar to his weight after leaving his U.S. training camp last week. But the reported weight check that was provided to the BBBofC was closer to 114 pounds, which raised a flag of discrepancy.

The bantamweight limit is between 115 and 118 pounds.

The Filipino boxer has also been hit with a “show of cause” action from the WBO where he must convince the sanctioning body by Thursday to not vacate his title reign.

This marks the second time in four months that he has needed to provide an explanation.

The first came during his planned December 11 title defense against Butler in Dubai. Casimero failed to make it to the weigh-in because he was reportedly hospitalized for gastritis. His team provided the needed documentation to keep his championship belt, but on the condition that he would face Butler no later than April 30.

Now, Jonas Sultan, of Philippines, steps in for Casimero as his late replacement in Liverpool this Friday.

Sultan came up short in a May 2018 fight versus then-IBF junior bantamweight Jerwin Ancajas, which was Sultan’s only title shot. The Cebu native has won four of his last five fights.

Sultan, who is ranked No. 4 in the WBO’s division rankings, is the highest ranked available challenger.