Pinoy versus Pinoy world title showdown set for December in Parañaque

Two years after the last Filipino versus Filipino world title showdown, another pair of Pinoys are set to duke it out for a world title when former WBO world minimumweight champion Vic Saludar takes on unbeaten prospect Robert Paradero.

Saludar (20-4, 11KOs) and Paradero (18-0, 12KOs) will vie for the vacant WBA regular minimumweight title on December 5 at the Elorde Sports Complex in Parañaque City. The closed-door event is promoted by Bebot Elorde.

“There will be no audience. Facemasks and face shield are required inside the venue,” Elorde told GMA News Online when asked of his show’s safety measures against COVID-19.

“Fighters and their cornermen will be swab-tested a week before the fight, on fight day, and the day after the fight,” he added.

Bebot, son of the late Hall of Famer Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, further adds that only a limited number of media will be allowed to cover the world championship fight.

The first all-Filipino world title showdown took place in 1925 when the first-ever Filipino boxing world champion Pancho Villa defended his title against Clever Sencio where the former successfully defended the strap by way of unanimous decision.

93 years later, reigning IBF world super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas successfully defended his title over fellow Filipino Jonas Sultan by way of unanimous decision at the Save Mart Arena in Fresno, California. — LA, GMA News