Saludar to get $30K in first title defense

WORLD Boxing Organization ( WBO) minimumweight champion Vic Saludar will earn $30,000 (P1.57 million), the biggest payout of his boxing career, in his first title defense against Japanese Masataka Taniguchi on February 26, at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

Saludar’s trainer Jojo Palacios said that the Polomolok, South Cotabato native only earned $10,000 (P523,450 thousand) in his first world title fight on July 13, where he dethroned Japanese Ryuya Yamanaka via unanimous decision in Kobe, Japan.

“This will be Vic’s biggest payout in his professional career. All he needs to do is make the weigh-in a day prior to the fight night,” said Palacios, adding that he is very confident Saludar would make the 105 pounds weight limit.

“That (fight purse) is for his family and children. He is also supporting his brothers right now. He came from poverty that’s why I see his determination and hard work,” Palacios said.

Taniguchi, 25, holds an 11-2 win-loss record with seven knockouts. The Japanese is jumping into the fray from a three-fight win streak.

The 28-year-old Saludar (18-3 win-loss record with 10 knockouts) is now undergoing sparring sessions in General Santos with ex-world title contender Joey Canoy.

“We need to be impressive round by round. We don’t need to force a knockout,” said Palacios.

Saludar is the younger brother of professional boxer Froilan Saludar, an ex-world title contender and 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games gold medalist.

As a flyweight amateur boxer, Saludar won a bronze medal in the 2010 Asian Games.