MANILA, Philippines – The parents of new IBF interim junior flyweight champion Johnriel Casimero expressed their frustration over the violent riot in Argentina following their son’s win.

Casimero and his team were attacked by Argentine fight fans following his technical knockout victory over hometown favorite Luis Lazarte.

His parents, who watched the fight back in Ormoc City, nearly wept after seeing their son being mobbed by a hostile crowd inside the ring.

“Masakit talaga,” said Casimero’s father, Servando. “Parang gusto kong gumanti. Hindi ko talaga sila uurungan.”

Donata, the boxer’s mother, said if the incident happened in Ormoc City, the rioters would have tasted her wrath.

“Siguro dahil babae ako, pero kung dito lang ‘yun nangyari, gaganti din talaga ako,” she said.

Casimero's family urged the government to probe the incident.

Late brother in Casimero's mind

The family is still recovering over the recent death of Casimero’s younger brother Jerald, who passed away on January 31 due to congenital heart disease.

They believe Casimero had his brother in his mind while fighting against Lazarte last Saturday.

Jerald was a former amateur boxer, just like Casimero.

Elder brother, Jayson, expressed his pride over the victory of Casimero.

He said it was a courageous effort for Casimero to fight in front of a hostile crowd.

“Laban lang. ‘Wag lang siyang magpadala sa kahirapan at problema. Gawin lang n’yang lahat para sa career n’ya,” said Jayson.

Casimero, who turned 22 on Tuesday, is expected to arrive in the Philippines on Tuesday.

A hero’s welcome awaits him in Cebu. – With a report from Ranulfo Docdocan, ABS-CBN News Tacloban