Omega’s Haya faces Saludar for WBO reg’l belt

Jimboy Haya of the Omega Boxing Gym will be in the biggest test of his young career when he challenges Vic Saludar for the World Boxing Organization Asia Pacific Minimumweight championship next Saturday, October 28, in Cagayan de Oro City.

Haya, who sports a 9-2 win-loss record spiked with six knock-outs, is eager and raring to score an upset over the touted Saludar. Saludar (12-2, 9 kos) once fought for the WBO world title of the same division but lost to Japanese Kosei Tanaka via a sixth round technical knock-out in a fight where Saludar was leading on points. He then won the WBO Asia Pacific championship over Lito Dante via unanimous decision in April of 2016. He is currently ranked fifth in the world by the WBO.

On the other hand, Haya is coming off two KO wins and a draw in his last three fights.

He stopped Fabio Marfa at Who’s Next? 2, and is itching the score what could be the biggest win of his career. For his part, Omega Pro Sports International President Paulo Castillo says that Haya is ripe for the fight. “We like our chances even if we’re the underdog. Haya has worked hard and deserves this break. We wish him all the best,” Castillo said. A win over Saludar will surely open the gates for bigger fights in the future.

The title fight will be held at the Barangay Bula Covered Courts in Cagayan de Oro, the hometown of Saludar. Haya will be accompanied by trainer Jingjing Tepora and Omega Boxing Gym manager Ian Colina.