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Saludar beats Paradero in all-Filipino clash for WBA belt

Vic Saludar is back as a world champion.
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Vic Saludar is once again a world boxing champion as he claimed the World Boxing Association minimumweight regular title by beating Robert Paradero in a historic championship bout at the Binan Football Stadium on Saturday.

In the first world title fight held in the Philippines amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Saludar, the former World Boxing Organization champ, did just enough especially in the endgame to edge the erstwhile unbeaten Paradero via split decision.

Saludar showed his veteran smarts early on by connecting on good shots especially counter punches on Paradero during the first two rounds.

Paradero, however, began pouring it on in the next two rounds, even delivering solid body shots to Saludar.

Saludar somehow recovered in Rounds 5 and 6, but Paradero showcased an improved strategy in the next four rounds, even dominating Round 9.

That turned out to be Paradero's last hurrah as Saludar finally frustrated him with his left jabs as well as an improved focus.

Despite what looked like a close fight, Alfie Jocosol appeared to be too impressed with Paradero's performance that he gave him a 118-110 scoreline, but Aquil Tamano had it 115-113 and Danrex Tapdasan tallied 116-112 both in favor of Saludar.

Saludar moved up to 21-4, while Paradero fell for the first time after an 18-0 start.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno

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