Saludar arrives in Puerto Rico to defend his WBO world minimumweight title anew

By Lito delos Reyes

DAVAO CITY — Reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) World minimumweight champion Vic “Vicious” Saludar of Polomolok, South Cotabato arrived in Puerto Rico last Aug. 21 to defend again his title against Wilfredo “Bimbito” Mendez of Puerto Rico.Saludar (19W-3L-0D, 10KO) arrived with manager Kenneth Rontal and trainer Coach Bob “Ladykillah” Villaver.”Walang problema sa timbang ko,” said the 28-year old Saludar.They will fight on Aug. 24 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico.Saludar defeated Masataka Taniguchi of Japan by a unanimous decision last Feb. 26 in Korakuen Hall, Tokyo in the first title defense of Saludar.Saludar earlier scored also a unanimous decision in dislodging Japan’s Ryuya Yamanaka at the WBO World minimumweight title last July 13 at the Central Gym in Kobe, Hyogo.The 22-year old Mendez (13W-1L-0D, 5KO) scored a split decision on Janiel Rivera of Puerto Rico to win again the WBO NABO minimumweight title last May 24. Mendez beat Axe Aragon Vega by a unanimous decision to win the vacant WBO NABO minimum title last 2018. The promoter of the boxing event is Ivan Rivera of Puerto Rico Best Boxing.