Erick Rosa Dethrones Vic Saludar, Becomes the New WBA-105 World Champion

By Carlos Costa

In a close and thriling battle, Filipino “Vicious” Vic Saludar (21-5, 11 KO’s) of Polomolok, Cotabato del Sur, was dropped, decisioned and dethroned by young Dominican Republic fighter “Mini Pacman” Erick Rosa (5-0, 1 KO), tonight at Hotel Catalonia Malecon Center in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The intense war saw the brave Saludar crashing to the canvas in rounds 3 and 9, but then awesomely getting up to deck Rosa down in round 10, scaring the heck out of him in that chapter; then both men exchanging artillery till the sound of the final bell.

At the end, scores were split.

Venezuela lady judge 🇻🇪 Mrs. Reina Urbáez scored in favor of the Filipino 113-112.

But she was overruled. Because local Dominican Republic judge 🇩🇴 Óscar Pérez Carbonelli saw the fight completely different; voting 116-109 for his compatriot Erick Rosa; with the third judge 🇵🇷 Luis Pabón of Puerto Rico scoring for Rosa as well 113-112.

Will an exciting rematch happen?

“Vicious” Vic Saludar could not teach a boxing lesson to the 21-year-old rookie fighter from the fun paradise Iand of beaches and merengue, the Dominican Republic, as all boxing fans in Mindanao were hoping for.

Instead, the quick and tough “Mini Pacman” Rosa catched and shocked the battle-tested Vic Saludar, grabbing his coveted world title.

The unexpected defeat adds some sadness to fan’s as Vic’s brother, Froilan, was as well outpointed in an important title fight just hour apart in Sydney Australia.

For many fans, Saludar’s proven boxing skills and superior experience should have led him to retain his WBA 105-lbs world title, setting himself up for even more attractive battles in 2022.

But that was not the case.

Still, Vic Saludar and Froilan Saludar can feel proud of their big effort, ending their international main event fights on their feet, battling with honor and heart, giving a thrilling show to local fans, setting themselves up for more rewarding action in the new year.

Most importantly, the brothers are fine, healthy and on their way home to spend a very Merry Christmas at home in home sweet home, the Philippines.

The author Carlos Costa can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com