FORMER world title challenger Vic “Vicious” Saludar and his opponent Lito “Naruto” Dante made weight and are all set for their much-awaited rematch in the main event of the “Engkwentro Sa Naga: The Rematch” that will be held tonight at the Enan Chiong Sports Complex in the city of Naga, south Cebu.
Saludar and Dante’s first bout ended with the former winning via unanimous decision for the WBO Asia Pacific minimumweight title. The fight was held in General Santos City.
Dante (14 wins, 8 losses, 4 draws, 7KOs) is aiming to get back and stage an upset against number two ranked minimumweight contender Saludar (15 wins, 3 losses, 0 draws, 9KOs) in a 10-round, non-title showdown tonight.
Saludar weighed 107 pounds, a bit heavier than the contracted weight of 106 pounds, while Dante weighed in at exactly 106 pounds. Despite being a little over the weight limit, no sanction will be given out to Saludar since it is a non-title bout.
Saludar won two of his last three bouts this year. He lost to Toto Landero last June in Mandaue City by split decision and beat Mike Kinaadman last August and Powell Balaba in April both by unanimous decision. Dante also beat Balaba this year by unanimous decision.
In the co-main event, Saludar’s older brother Froilan (26-2-1, 17KOs) will battle journeyman Rogen Flores (14-39-6, 7KOs) for 10 rounds in the 115-pound division.
Unlike his younger brother, Froilan is unbeaten this year winning all his three fights.
The fight card promoted by the Mindanao-based Championship Boxing Development and the local government of the city of Naga will feature eight bouts.