IT will be Pinoy versus Pinoy when former WBO world minimumweight champion Vic Saludar and fast-rising Robert Paradero dispute the vacant WBA regular minimumweight title at the Elorde Sports Complex in Parañaque City on Dec. 5.
Saludar will climb the ring with a 20-4 win-loss record, including 11 knockouts.
His opponent, Paradero, is unbeaten in 18 fights, with 12 KOs.
The title fight promoted by Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr. of the Elorde Promotions will be a closed-door event due to the coronavurus pandemic.
Elorde, son of boxing legend Flash Elorde, predicted an exciting toe-to-toe fight even without an audience.
“I expect another action-packed world title fight between Saludar and Paradero,” said Elorde, who is promoting the fight despite the current health crisis which forced most sports to shut down for more than six months now.
“Saludar is the more experienced fighter, but Paradero is still unbeaten in 18 pro fights. He is really a dangerous opponent for Saludar,” added Elorde.
He said the Saludar-Paradero fight will only be the third world title showdown pitting Filipino fighters.
The first all-Filipino world title showdown took place in 1925 when world champion Pancho Villa defended his title against Clever Sencio by unanimous decision.
In 2018, reigning IBF world super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas successfully defended his title over fellow Filipino Jonas Sultan by unanimous decision at the Save Mart Arena in Fresno, California.
Elorde assured everybody that all health and safety protocols will be followed during the promotion.
“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,” he added.
Limited media access will also be observed as part of safety protocols.
