FORMER world champion Vic “The Vicious” Saludar tries to return to the world’s elite circle as he fights unbeaten Robert Paradero on Saturday for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) minimumweight title at the Biñan Football Stadium in Laguna.
Saludar climbs the ring for the first time since beating Mike Kinaadman on December 21, 2019, via a sixth-round knockout in Naga City, a few months after being dethroned by Puerto Rican World Boxing Organization minimumweight champion Wilfredo Mendez via unanimous decision in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“I focused on training and sparring in six months in General Santos because I know Paradero is doing well in training,” Saludar told BusinessMirror on Friday. “He is also a tough adversary. But I am determined to be a two-time world champion.”
The 30-year-old Saludar, who as an amateur clinched a bronze medal in the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games, is known for his stinging jabs, just like his brothers Froilan and 2010 Asian Games gold winner Rey Saludar.
He is sporting a 20-4 win-loss record with 11 knockouts under trainer Jojo Palacios.
Paradero, undefeated in 18 fights with 12 knockouts, expressed his excitement at getting a shot at a world crown.
“I am 101 percent ready. This is what I have been waiting for a long time. Tomorrow will change everything, it will be my moment,” said Paradero, 24, who trains under Alfredo Singsing.
“Even though he [Saludar] is a veteran, I will never give up my 19th pro career fight to him. I will not waste this opportunity.”
Saludar weighed in 104 lbs, while Paradero tipped the scale at 104.4 lbs during the weigh-in.