Mendez Dethrones Saludar in Puerto Rico
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 25 Aug 2019
Wilfredo "Bimbito" M?ndez became the new WBO minimumweight world champion by scoring a unanimous decision win over tough more-experienced Filipino Vic Saludar before an enthusiastic audience today Saturday, August 24, at Puerto Rico's Convention Center.
M?ndez (14-1, 5 KO's) made use of his good boxing skills throughout the 12 rounds to control the aggressive Saludar (19-4, 10 KO's), who was making his second title defense.
Saludar knocked down M?ndez with a good left hook in the 5th chapter, though he failed to follow it up with more.
After the 12 rounds, wide scorecards were 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112, all for the 22 year-old Puerto Rican.
"This is a dream come true after all this the hard work," said a visibly satisfied M?ndez after his clear triumph.
"Now I am a world champion, the only boxing male world champion that Puerto Rico has right now.
"We followed the fight plan that we had worked on, and we were able to claim victory against a good opponent like 🇵🇭 Vic Saludar."
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
July 4: Albert Bell Steps In to Challenge Abdullah Mason in All-Ohio WBO Lightweight World Title Showdown at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center LIVE on TNT and DAZN
Fri, 26 Jun 2026Zamboanga relinquishes her ONE Women’s title
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 26 Jun 2026Top-ranked Charly Suarez facing Manuel Avila, plus two more fights added to July 18 ProBoxTV event
Fri, 26 Jun 2026Yanon fights Kaji in Tokyo on July 4
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 26 Jun 2026Preparations underway for 2026 IBA men’s divisional continental championships
Fri, 26 Jun 2026Highland Boxing Promotions Presents "Warrior Showdown" in Bangkok on June 27
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Usyk reportedly considering retirement but could face Kabayel before the year ends
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Luke Littler and Ben Whittaker join forces as Matchroom Sport takes over New York City
Thu, 25 Jun 2026IOC Announces $10,000 'Fit for the Future' Grant for All Qualifying Olympians, Including Boxers
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Boxers did it first: IBA President welcomes IOC’s decision on allocating funds among athletes
Thu, 25 Jun 2026PH national now ready for Asia-Oceania Sambo
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 25 Jun 2026UFC TITLE CHALLENGER IAN MACHADO GARRY JOINS MATCHROOM TALENT AGENCY AS EDDIE HEARN LAUDS 'SUPERSTAR' SIGNING
Thu, 25 Jun 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Fathers in the boxing world
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 24 Jun 2026Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan arrive for Asia & Oceania Sambo Tournament
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 24 Jun 2026Mexican Hall of Fame Legend Carlos Zarate undergoes surgery in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 24 Jun 2026