Paradero-Saludar title-fight move to Feb. 20

By LITO DELOS REYES

DAVAO CITY – Former World Boxing Organization Asia Pacific Youth minimumweight champion Robert “Inggo” Paradero of Malaybalay City and reigning Asia Boxing Federation (ABF) champion Victorio “Vicious” Saludar of Polomolok, South Cotabato will now fight on Feb. 20 at The Flash Ballroom of the Elorde Sports Center in Sucat, Paranaque City.

The original bubble boxing event was set for Dec. 5 but was canceled due to a pandemic caused by COVID-19.

“Vacant ang title po, na-approve na ng WBA yan nung April pa” (The title is vacant, it was approved by the WBA in April” said promoter Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr. of the Elorde International Productions.

Elorde said that the title was left vacant by the champion.

Saludar (20W-4L-0D, 11KOs) is rated no. 4, while Paradero is rated WBA no. 5 contender.

The 24-year-old Paradero is still undefeated with 18 wins and 12 knockouts. He had no fight last year.

In his last fight, Paradero scored a 1st round knockout over Jonathan Almacen of Muntinlupa last April 5, 2019, at Barangay 9 Covered Court in Barangay 9, Malaybalay City.

He said that he had spar already with stablemates Marco John Rementizo (12W-3L-0D, 8KOs), Jaysever Abcede (20W-9L-0D, 12KOs), and Jay R Tulinan (4W-3L-0D, 2KOs).

“OK na ko sako sparring,” (I’m OK with sparring) said Paradero.

Paradero will now fly to Manila on Feb. 1 together with his manager Dr. Toto Sajulga, trainer Jojo Singsing at brother Julius Paradero.

But they still don’t know were to stay in Manila.

“Wala pa ko kabalo kung asa mo check-in” (I still don’t know where you checked in) said Paradero.

Paradero earlier had a unanimous decision victory over Royder Lloyd Borbon of Cotabato last April 3, 2018, to retain his WBO Asia Pacific Youth minimumweight title in Manolo Fortich.