Saludar Going On the Road To Defend the Belt Against the Ambitious and Talented Pacheco
3KingsBoxing had previously reported that on August 26, the World Boxing Association (WBA) ordered a match between “regular” WBA world minimumweight champion Vic Saludar (21-4, 11 KOs) and mandatory challenger/former “interim” WBA world champ Erick Rosa Pacheco (4-0, 1 KO). The sanctioning body gave both camps a 30-day window to negotiate before possibly going to an open purse bid.
Here’s an update on those proceedings. A purse bid has been avoided as both parties have agreed to a deal. According to the Philippines news source, Sunstar, they will face each other on December 9 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Saludar won the vacant title in his previous outing, defeating Robert Paradero in February of 2021. The 30-year-old from Polomolok, Cotabato del Sur, Philippines previously held the WBO world strap at 105 pounds.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
If he’s going to leave the ring with his hand raised in victory, it will be on the road in the challenger’s hometown. Among the Dominican Republic boxing scene, Erick Pacheco is highly-touted. Only 21, the flashy southpaw has been moved up the ranks very quickly. It’s a testament to the belief his handlers have in him. He made his professional debut on October 2020. Now in only his fifth fight as a pro, he’s going for a world title! This opportunity opened up for Pacheco due to the WBA’s decision to do away with their interim world titles.
THE PRESSURE OF FIGHTING AT HOME
Vic Saludar is a vet who has fought away from home before. He has no problems venturing into enemy territory. What’s interesting is how Pachecho handles the moment. Yes, he’s young and ambitious. Can he deal with the pressure of having the biggest fight of his career in front of his friends and family? Will he get nervous and lose focus on the night, or will he rise to the occasion? It’s the underlying aspect that makes this fight interesting, especially to fans of the lower-weight warriors.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
