Paradero to fight Okolo for vacant WBF World Championship

By LITO DELOS REYES

DAVAO CITY – Robert “Inggo” Paradero of Malaybalay will fight Thembelani “Guitarman” Okolo of South Africa for the vacant World Boxing Federation minimumweight title on June 27 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Paradero (18W-1L-0D, 12KOs) tasted his first loss from Victorio Saludar for the vacant WBA World minimumweight title last Feb. 20 at Binan City.

“Masakit para sa akin pagkatalo ko (It hurts for me to lose)”, said the 24-year-old Paradero, who lost by a split decision to Saludar.

“Gusto ko rematch pero ayaw na nila, babawi nalang ako sa ibang laban (I want a rematch but they don’t want it anymore, they’ll just take me back in another match)”, said Paradero.

“Panalo ako sa laban sa judge ako natalo. Gusto ko manalo at babawi sa pagkatalo ko kay Vic Saludar (I win against the judge I lose. I want to win and recover from my defeat from Vic Saludar)”, added Paradero.

He will be going to South Africa together with his manager Dr. Toto Sajulga and Coach Mario Salem.

They are still waiting for their tickets and visa but his training still continues.

“Training nako padayon gihapon dahil gusto kong maka bawi mula sa pagka talo ko (My training is still going on because I want to recover from my defeat)”, said Paradero.

He is currently sparring with his stablemates.

“Six rounds lang sa karon (Just six rounds so far)”, said Paradero.

Okolo, on the other hand, has nine wins against five defeats and one draw.

He recently won the vacant WBF African minimumweight title by beating Ndikho Magadaza by a TKO in the 7th round last Oct. 6, 2019, at Titi Jonas Community Hall in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, South Africa.