Saludar.
?I am rated number one by the WBO and I am just waiting for a crack at the world title. I am excited for that opportunity and I am ready to fight anyone even if it?s going to be my fellow Filipino fighter Brian Viloria. After seeing Brian fight Segura, I definitely want to fight him. He is a complete fighter and I have high respect for him but I have my own weapons and I?m sure it will be a great fight,? these were the exact words of WBO World Youth Flyweight Champion Froilan Saludar when this scribe paid him a visit at the Top Contender Gym in Bacoor, Cavite.
Froilan ?The Sniper? Saludar becomes rated number one by the WBO after Giovanni Segura lost via TKO in the eighth round to defending WBO Flyweight Champ Brian Viloria. However since Segura was a mandatory challenger, the Viloria camp has the option to fight any opponent within the top 15 ranking for his next title defense or unify his belt with another world champion in the division. It is a common rule of all governing bodies that a champion cannot have two consecutive mandatory fights. Thus, a Viloria-Saludar fight will not likely happen within the next quarter. However, it will be an inevitable clash next year should Viloria retain his belt in his next fight. There is no other way for Brian but to face the WBO No. 1 eventually.
Saludar who stands at 5? 5? has the size and reach advantage against Viloria?s 5? 3? height. He is also an experienced amateur and has the speed and power as shown in his past fights and his knockout rate. Viloria is Viloria and his recent demolition of a pound for pound rated fighter will make any future opponent think more than twice. But that is what makes Filipinos and Latinos different from other races, the Guts and the Courage to face tough challenges. If we enjoy ring wars between Filipinos versus Mexicans, how thrilling can it get if Filipino Champions face each other for a world title? Mexicans fighting Mexicans is a common sight in the boxing world. Why not pit Pinoy fighters against a fellow Pinoy? It?s time.
Author?s Note: Thanks to Atty. Danrex Tapdasan for the guidance on the WBO rules on title defenses.
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