Saludar wins by split decision over Paradero, captures WBA belt
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 20 Feb 2021
DAVAO CITY – Victorio “Vicious” Saludar of Polomolok beat Robert “Inggo” Paradero of Bukidnon by a split decision to win the vacant World Boxing Association World minimumweight championship title in Binan City, Laguna today (Feb. 20).
It was a controversial split-decision win for Salurdar as Paradero really thought he was the winner.
Judge Aquil Tamano scored it 115-113 and lawyer-judge Danrex Tapdasan saw it 116-112 both for Saludar. Judge Alfie Jocosol, on the other hand, scored it for Paradero, 118-110.
Saludar started slow as Paradero was more aggressive since the beginning of the fight. But Saludar also became aggressive as he fought Paradero from toe to toe until the end of the 12-round.
Saludar, the former WBO World minimumweight champion, now has 21 wins with four losses while Paradero suffered his first defeat after 18 wins with 12 knockouts.
Saludar is also the reigning Asia Boxing Federation minimumweight champion.
Meanwhile, in the supporting main event, undefeated Carl Jammes Martin of Ifugao scored a 5th round knockout over Joe Tejones in their super bantamweight bout.
Other results: Rechel Calo of Elorde Boxing Gym beat Ruel Panales of Dasmarinas by a majority decision; Eugene Noynay of Elorde scored a majority decision over Jerico Tanate of Olivetti Boxing Gym in a very close fight; Archiel Villamor of Elorde won by a unanimous decision over Leslie Manalo of Dy Incredible.
The bubble boxing event, dubbed as “Night of Champios XXII”, was promoted by Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr. of the Elorde International Promotion.
The event was postponed several times due to the pandemic.
It was sponsored by Ginebra San Miguel, Pagcor, Jun Soriano Realty, Water Boy System, Fairtex and Elorde Sports Center.
Photo: Referee Nowel Haduca raises the hand of the new WBA minimumweight champion Vic Saludar. To the left is GAB chairman Abraham Mitra.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.
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