Confusion in Saludar’s victory: Interim or regular world title?
CEBU CITY, Philippines—There seems to be some confusion with the recent victory of boxer Vic “Vicious” Saludar.
This after an article on the World Boxing Association’s (WBA) website stated that Saludar’s victory against fellow Filipino Robert “Super Inggo” Paradero last Saturday, February 20, 2021, held at the Biñan Stadium in Laguna was for the WBA interim world minimumweight title and not the regular world title.
The report on WBA’s website stirred confusion and frustration among boxing fans and boxing experts alike.
The “world” title showdown between Saludar and Paradero served as the main event of “Night of Champions XXII” fight card promoted by Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr.
Elorde, himself was confused with the article.
“I saw the report. I am asking WBA why it became interim when I paid WBA for the sanctioning fees which were for the vacant WBA minimumweight world championship,” Elorde Jr. told CDN Digital. “I wrote to them already and I’m waiting for their reply.”
The WBA World Championship Committee has already notified the minimumweight division’s top contender Jose Argumedo (23W-4L-1D, 14KOs) of Mexico to negotiate a mandatory bout against Nicaragua’s Byron Rojas (27W-4L-3D, 11 KOs) for the regular title.
Saludar will serve as the mandatory challenger of the winner between Rojas and Argumedo if he is indeed declared as interim champion.
If the WBA does not overturn their decision to make Saludar a regular champion, the Philippines will be left with three remaining world champions. These are Jerwin Ancajas (IBF world super flyweight), Johnriel Casimero (WBO world bantamweight), and Pedro Taduran (IBF world minimumweight).
Saludar’s victory last Saturday was hard-fought as he narrowly edged Paradero via split decision.
Read: Vic Saludar scores split decision win for WBA title
Saludar improved his record to 21 wins, four defeats with 11 knockouts.
Saludar, from Polomolok, South Cotabato , is a former WBO world minimumweight champion. He is ranked No. 4 in WBA’s minimumweight division.
/bmjo
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