Do or die for Paradero
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 06 Feb 2021
Unbeaten Robert Paradero yesterday admitted it will be tough to beat former WBO champion Vic Saludar but he’s confident of getting the job done in their 12-round fight for the vacant WBA minimumweight crown in Biñan on Feb. 20 because losing isn’t an option in this chance of a lifetime.
“Patay kung patay,” said Paradero who’s making his debut outside of Visayas and Mindanao. “Bihira dumating ang pagkakataon na lumaban para sa world championship. Ito ang aking dream fight, ang pagasa kong makaahon sa kahirapan ng pamilya. High school graduate lang ako, wala akong pinagaralan na kurso, wala akong alam gawin kundi boksing. Alam ko beterano si Saludar pero ang magpapanalo sa akin ay tapang ng dibdib. Buo ang loob ko.”
Paradero, 24, had an opportunity to fight Wilfredo Mendez in a WBO title eliminator in Puerto Rico in December 2018 but it was postponed to March. When Paradero checked in at NAIA to leave for San Juan, he was stopped by immigration authorities for lacking the proper visa. Paradero went back home crying and the fight was cancelled for good. Saludar, then the WBO titlist, went to Puerto Rico instead and lost to Mendez in August that year. Now, Paradero and Saludar will square off for the WBA “regular” throne. The WBA “super” title is held by Thai Knockout CP Freshmart. Saludar is ranked No. 4 and Paradero, No. 5.
Saludar, 30, has a 20-4 record, with 11 KOs, compared to Paradero’s 18-0, with 12 KOs. Promoter Bebot Elorde said he expects an action-packed fight between an experienced counterpuncher and an aggressive come-forward brawler. The bout will be held outdoors in a football stadium in Biñan with no audience under strict IATF health guidelines. Because of the pandemic, the fight was postponed thrice before it was finally confirmed. GAB chairman Baham Mitra said the government agency is in charge of site inspection, fight supervision and ensuring compliance of safety protocols. Paradero arrived in Manila from Malaybalay last Jan. 31 while Saludar is due to land from Polomolok today. The fighters will undergo quarantine in Biñan this weekend.
Paradero has sparred nearly 100 rounds to prepare for Saludar. “Ang aking ambisyon ay makilala ng buong mundo bilang world champion,” he said. “Balak kong tapusin ang laban ng maaga.” Four of his 12 KO wins came in the first round. Paradero said his lethal weapons are the overhand right and right uppercut. While he’s known as a plodder, Paradero said his left jab is also a killer. In his corner will be trainers Jojo Singsing and Archier Villamor. “Handang handa na ako,” said Paradero. “Sa Malaybalay, dami kong ka-sparring, sina Jay-R Tulinan at Cris Omayao. ‘Di ko masasabi kung anong style ang gagamitin ko sa laban, depende ‘yan sa sitwasyon. Ang ipapakita ko ang tapang at lakas ng mga idolo ko, Senator Manny Pacquiao at JohnRiel Casimero. Walang atrasan 'to.”
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
World Boxing Announces Elite Division World Rankings
Sun, 19 Oct 2025BEN WHITTAKER PRESS CONFERENCE: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AS NEW MATCHROOM SIGNING MEETS GAVAZI – PLUS: VUONG vs GWYNNE II
Sun, 19 Oct 2025BIADO, YAPP, AND DUONG POWER TEAM ASIA TO THE BRINK OF GLORY
Sat, 18 Oct 2025Prado, Catubig dominate DTI Run
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 18 Oct 2025YORK HALL FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS: GEORGE LIDDARD MAKES HISTORY TO BECOME THE YOUNGEST EVER BRITISH MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION
Sat, 18 Oct 2025Usyk in Bare Knuckle event?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 18 Oct 2025IIEE Singapore tops National Chess Olympiad, Quezon City Simba's Tribe wins 2 matches in PCAP
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 18 Oct 2025Liddard Destroys Conway to Claim British Middleweight Title, Becomes Youngest-Ever Champion
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 18 Oct 2025Keiron Conway vs George Liddard: Unbeaten Prospect Faces Stiff Challenge
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 18 Oct 2025Alicaba to fight for WBC Asian Continental super fly
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 18 Oct 2025DAY TWO: STARBOY MANAS STEALS THE SHOW AS TEAM ASIA EXTENDS PERFECT RUN
Sat, 18 Oct 2025MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS INTRODUCES CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND VICE PRESIDENT TONY COHEN
Sat, 18 Oct 2025Joseph Subia Signs with Wise Owl Boxing
Sat, 18 Oct 2025Sirimongkhol, Midgley Make Weight for WBF World Title in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 17 Oct 2025ICTSI South Pacific on Oct. 28-31
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 17 Oct 2025