Phl mints 3 world boxing champs in just 3 days

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — In a feat that is one for the books, the Philippines has produced three world champions in just a three-day span.

First off was Vic Saludar, who upset Japan's Ryuya Yamanaka by unanimous decision over 12 rounds to seize the WBO minimumweight title last Friday night at the Kobe's Central Gym.

Saludar's stunning triumph turned out to be a herald of more good news for the Pinoys.

Two days later, Cebu's pride Jhack Tepora of the Omega Gym became the newest toast of Phl boxing when he scored a smashing ninth round stoppage of Edivaldo Ortega of Mexico to snatch the WBA featherweight belt on the undercard of the ‘Fight of Champions' featuring Manny Pacquiao versus Lucas Matthysse at the Axiata Arena here yesterday.

Pacquiao put the proverbial icing on Phl's victory cake when he dethroned Matthysse with a masterful seventh round knockout to emerge as the new WBA welterweight champion.

No other country has achieved such feat before.

From one, the total number of reigning Pinoy world boxing titlists has suddenly bloomed to four.

The other is IBF super flyweight king Jerwin Ancajas, who will make the sixth defense of his throne against either Alejandro Santiago of Mexico or Miguel Gonzalez of Chile on September 14 in Fresno, California.—