Filipino boxer Vic Saludar grabbed the thrill of victory and claimed the vacant World Boxing Association minimum weight title against fellow Filipino boxer Robert Paradero via a split decision on February 20 at a sports bubble at Biñan Football Stadium in Laguna.
Although the rising Paradero was more assertive, veteran Saludar’s attack proved unflustered and efficient. The punches of Paradero touched down mostly on Saludar’s defense, however, the veteran connected to the younger boxer’s strikes more adeptly and coherently.
Both judges, Aquil Tamayo and Danrex Tapsadan scored the 12-round bout with 115-113 and 116-113, respectively, in favor of Saludar. Alfie Jocosol gave a score of 118-110 for Paradero.
Besides the title, the victory was a way to boost the 30-year-old Saludar to retrieve its status to a 21-4 record with 11 knockouts in the professional fighting record.
Meanwhile, the 24-year-old Paradero suffered his first running loss in his first title bout in the Philippines and sunk to an 18-1 slate of 12 knockouts since the COVID-19 pandemic has begun.
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, sports in a “bubble” became the new standard. The match was the first title fight in the country during the pandemic for the World Boxing Association minimum weight belt, organized by the Elorde International Productions of Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde under strict health protocols.
“All protocols are observed. Fourteen-day quarantine, testing before the fight, Games and Amusement Board (GAB) venue inspection, modified general community quarantine requirement, and LGU permit. Having a world championship fight is a big honor, even if fighters and officials are all local,” said Baham Mitra, chairman of the Games and Amusement Board (GAB).
