Saludar wins OPBF bantam crown in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 14 Oct 2023
FROILAN “The Sniper” Saludar of Polomolok, South Cotabato is now the new Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) bantamweight champion after stopping defending champion Keita Kurihara of Japan in just one minute remaining in the 1st round last October 12 at the Ariake Arena in Koto-Ku, Tokyo.
The 34-year-old Saludar immediately went to work by hitting Keita with right-left punches for the first knockdown.
But Keita immediately stood up and Saludar again threw a walloping right to knock down again the Japanese.
In the resumption of the action, Saludar continued his right-left punches as Keita tried to answer back while back pedaling but Saludar was too much for him as referee Toshio Sugiyama finally stopped the fight.
Saludar is a former WBO Youth flyweight, WBO Asia Pacific flyweight and WBO Asia Pacific super flyweight champion.
Meanwhile, teammate Vince “J-Vince” Paras of General Santos City also won by a split decision against Kai Ishizawa of Japan in an 8-rounder.
WBO Global super bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero of Ormoc City settled to a technical draw with Yukinori Oguni after the 4th round while ex-WBO Oriental super bantamweight champion Jeo Santisima of Masbate City suffered a unanimous decision loss to Kenji Fujita.
The boxing event was promoted by Masayuki Ito.
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