For the second time in his career, Vic Saludar is a world champion.
Saludar eked out a razor-thin split decision win over compatriot Robert Paradero to win the WBA World Minimumweight Championship, Saturday during Elorde International Production’s Night of Champions XXII held at Binan Football Stadium in Laguna.
Atty. Aquil Tamano scored the bout 115-113 in favor of Saludar while Alfie Jocosol had it 118-110 for Paradero.
Confident of a win, the young Paradero was already rejoicing as the barker read the scorecard of Danrex Tapdasan. It read 116-112 for Saludar that floored Paradero.
Rusty were both pugilists to start off the bout as the two were inactive for a year due to the pandemic.
Saludar had the advantage in the earlier rounds but Paradero made a comeback late in the 12-round affair. The 24-year-old Paradero went for broke in the final round but it was not enough to sway the judges.
Saludar improved to 21-4 (11KOs) while Paradero suffered his first loss in 19 bouts.
