Saludar, Melligen to headline KAMAO: Kidlat at Maso

One of the brightest prospects in Philippine boxing will make his way back into the ring on September 21. Froilan “The Sniper” Saludar will take on the biggest challenge of his professional career as he faces on the experienced and dangerous Jose Alfredo "Galletas" Tirado of Mexico in KAMAO: Kidlat at Maso. Tirado was actually scheduled to face Rodel Mayol in the main event, but Mayol pulled out after being offered an IBF super flyweight title shot. Saludar was then more than happy to step into the spotlight, for a chance at the interim WBO Oriental Flyweight title. “Mighty” Mark Melligen and Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas will also fight in the packed card and they will go up against opponents from Thiland and Mexico, respectively.   Tirado, nine years older than the 23-year old Saludar, vowed an early stoppage as he wants to prove that he is ready for the big stage. He holds good wins in his career against tremendous fighters such as Christian Mijares, but he has failed to snag a world title shot. “I have high respect for Filipino fighters but I came here to launch my international career and I prepared long enough to beat another Filipino fighter,” said Tirado. “If I beat Saludar, I’ll surely get a title shot,” he added.   Anson Tiu Co, the man behind this boxing promotion, said that his aim is to help local boxers get their name out. “I decided to venture in [to] this boxing promotion to give our local fighters an avenue to show their skills and build their career in the sports. It also a tribute to Karlo Maquinto, whose untimely death exposed the sad reality of how our boxers sacrifice their limbs and life just to get the exposure they needed,” Tiu Co said in the press conference held earlier Thursday.   KAMAO: Kidlat at Maso TV is the first venture of Shape-Up Boxing Promotions. It will be held at the Cuneta Astrodome on September 21 starting at 6 pm and it will be aired on GMA News TV on September 23 at 10 pm. - Carlo Pamintuan / AMD, GMA News