VIC Saludar, tagged as the best hope of South Cotabato for boxing glory, makes his professional debut on Saturday night in the undercard of the Pinoy Pride XXI “When Worlds Collide” at the Grand Ballroom of the posh Solaire Resort and Casino.
The bright lights of the world-class casino beams on the much-anticipated first appearance of the former national team standout who faces Juanito Hundante (1-1) of Manila.
“Paningkamutan nako na mudaug sa akong unang fight. Unta mulampos ko diri sa pro (I will try hard to win my first fight. I hope I will succeed in the pros),” Saludar told Spin.ph shortly after the pre-fight press conference at the Solaire Ballroom 4 and 5.
Saludar trained under the watchful eyes of brother Ariel for two months in Polomolok.
The 22–year-old Saludar, the youngest of three boxing brothers, was an amateur standout, a 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games bronze medalist, and winner of two Palarong Pambansa gold medals and six national championship gold medals.
The pride of Polomolok, South Cotabato was also named 'Best Fighter of the tournament' during the 31st Tammer Cup held in Tampere, Finland.
Saludar, who goes by the moniker 'Vicious,' joined ALA boxing’s stable of fighters as a flyweight.
The 5-foot-4 Saludar said he is adjusting his fight style to the pros unlike when he mostly relies on his speed while fighting as an amateur.
“Sa pro kailangan pacing lang (In the pro fights, pacing is important),” he said.
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