MANILA – Filipino boxers Vic Saludar and Robert Paradero are set to slug it out for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) world minimumweight championship at the Elorde Sports Complex in Parañaque City on Dec. 5.
The Saludar-Paradero encounter is heavily anticipated as this will be the third time in the recent memory that two Filipino fighters will battle for the world championship.
In 2018, the International Boxing Federation world super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas successfully defended his title over compatriot Jonas Sultan by unanimous decision while Negrenses Donnie Nietes and Aston Palicte fought for a draw.
“I expect another action-packed world title fight between Saludar and Paradero,” said Elorde Promotions’ Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde. “Saludar is the more experienced fighter, but Paradero is still unbeaten in 18 pro fights. He is really a dangerous opponent.”
Saludar, a former World Boxing Organization world minimumweight champion, will climb the ring with a 20-4 win-loss record including 11 knockouts (KOs), while Paradero is unbeaten in 18 fights with 12 KOs.
The Saludar-Paradero world title fight will be a closed-door event, according to Elorde, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“There will be no audience. Facemasks and face shields are required inside the venue. Fighters and their cornermen will also be swab-tested a week before the fight,” Elorde said./PN
