Filipino mini-flyweight boxer Vic Saludar has added one more world title for the Philippines following his unanimous decision victory over Ryuya Yamanaka of Japan Friday at the Central Gym in Kobe, Japan.
With his convincing victory over Yamanaka, the 27-year-old Polomolok native is now the new WBO mini-flyweight champion.
Saludar is coming off three successive wins after losing to compatriot Toto Landero via a split decision at the Sports and Cultural Complex in Mandaue City.
It was Saludar?s second attempt to grab the WBO mini-flyweight title with his first against Kosei Tanaka of Japan on December 31, 2015 at the Aichi Perfectural Gymnasium in Nagoya Japan.
The Philippines has only three world titles in pro boxing after long-reigning world titlist Donnie Nietes relinquished his IBF world flyweight title last April to move up to the more lucrative 115-pound weight limit.
Now the country?s world title collection is back to four. Hopefully the fifth world title could come as early as Saturday, July 14, 2018 (Sunday in Manila) when Pacquiao collides with Lucas Matthysse of Argentina for the WBO Welterweight belt.
Vic Saludar (R) flattens defending champ Ryura Yamanaka during their WBO world minimumweight title fight in Kobe, Japan on Friday. Photo by Sumio Yamada.
Pacquiao is 2-1 favorite to win the fight. If successful, Pacquiao could defend his title against British boxing star Amir Khan possibly at the Wembley Stadium in England.
Nietes could add to the title count of the Philippines when he goes up against Aston Palicte next month.
Also another title prospect for the Philippines will see action in the undercard of Pacquiao-Matthysse title fight. He is Jhack Tepora, who is unbeaten in his pro career. He is aiming to snatch the WBA Interim Featherweight belt against Edivaldo Ortega of Mexico.
The Philippines? current world titlists include Jerwin Ancajas (IBF Junior Bantamweight), Michael Dasmarinas IBO Bantaweight title) and Reymart Garballo (WBA Interim world title).
Ancajas is set to fight again on Sept. 14 in Fresno, CA while Dasmarinas will see action on Sept. 29. Gaballo is yet to announce his next fight.
Hopefully, the Philippines will bag at least six to eight world titles this year in pro boxing.
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