Saludar wins but rematch looms
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 23 Feb 2021
Robert (Inggo) Paradero celebrated too early and paid a hefty price for showboating in the last two rounds as veteran Vic Saludar stepped up the pace down the stretch to eke out a split 12-round decision for the vacant regular WBA minimumweight crown in a makeshift ring at the lobby of the Binan football stadium last Saturday.
The fight was action-packed from the start with Paradero attacking relentlessly, often wildly, and Saludar counterpunching like a master technician. At least twice, Saludar grimaced from body shots but was never in danger of going down. After the fight, Saludar said he wasn’t fazed by Paradero’s aggressiveness. “Malakas siya pero sanay na ako d'yan,” he said. Saludar’s experience was evident by the poise he displayed in sweeping the last two rounds in two of the three judges’ scorecards to seal the deal.
Judge Aquil Tamano had it 115-113 and judge Danrex Tapdasan, 116-112, both for Saludar while judge Alfie Jocosol saw it 118-110 for Paradero. If Paradero only took one of the last two rounds in Tamano’s scorecard, it would’ve been a split draw. GAB chairman Baham Mitra, acting as WBA title fight supervisor at ringside, said he’ll review Jocosol’s tally which seemed to be way off. Paradero’s manager Dr. Glorio Sajulga said he will write the WBA to appeal for an immediate rematch. Sajulga initially thought of filing a protest which under WBA rules, comes with a $10,000 fee. But Sajulga later said he isn’t pushing to overturn the decision as his intention is only to give Paradero another chance.
Paradero, 24, was visibly upset. “Ako ang (dapat) champion,” he said. “Kung bigyan ako ng pagkakataon sa rematch, kaya kong pabagsakin si Saludar. Ang sakit sa kalooban ko na matalo ng ganito.” Sajulga claimed that 80 percent of fans’ comments in social media favored Paradero. Veteran international judge and referee Silvestre Abainza, watching from home, said he thought Paradero deserved to win. Saludar said he’ll do a rematch if that’s what his manager Kenneth Rontal agrees to. “Actually, ang motivation ni Vic ay ang hunger ni Paradero,” said Saludar’s trainer Jojo Palacios. “Si Vic laging composed at same ni Inggo na gutom kasi bread and butter niya ang boksing at alam niya ang halaga ng world title para sa kaniyang pamilya.” Promoter Bebot Elorde said if there’s a rematch, it could be held in Cagayan de Oro. “But who will promote it again if no sponsors back up the expenses?” he asked.
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