Vic Saludar edges Robert Paradero to capture WBA strawweight title

Vic Saludar is a world champion again following a split decision nod over his fellow Filipino Robert Paradero to claim the vacant WBA world minimum weight title on Saturday at the Biñan Football Stadium in Laguna.

Both fighters struggled to land their shots in the early going of the contest as Paradero played the aggressor while Saludar was more calculated with his shots. Saludar went to the body early in the fight then seemingly lost steam in the second half of the contest.

Paradero poured his all in the final round but was unable to score a knockdown to turn the fight to his favor. After 12 rounds of action, two judges scored the fight 116-112 and 115-113 for Saludar while the other had it 118-110 for Paradero.

Saludar, who previously held the WBO world minimum weight title, improved his record to 21-4 with 11 knockouts while Paradero tasted his first defeat as he slipped to 18-1 with 12 knockouts. —KG, GMA News