By Carlos Costa

WBO minimum weight world champion Vic Saludar (19-3, 10 KO’s) arrived this morning in Puerto Rico ready for battle.

The Filipino and his team have flown to the “Island of Enchantment” for his important world title defense against Puerto Rican WBO # 1 ranked challenger Wilfredo “Bimbito” Méndez in the main event of “Casino Metro Boxing Nights” this Saturday, August 24.

The WBO world title clash    —    a production of Puerto Rico’s top boxing outfit PRBBP (PR Best Boxing Promotions) in association with Spartan Boxing    —   will unfold at the plush Puerto Rico Convention Center and will be televised LIVE on Puerto Rico sports channel Wapa Deportes.

Fight supervisor is lawyer Edgardo López-Sasso, Esq., executive member of the WBO.

“We come to Puerto Rico to make a good fight.    We are well-prepared after a long training camp to keep my title,” assured Saludar upon arrival.

The 28-year-old Saludar, born in Polomolok, Cotabato del Sur  (just nearby General Santos City), claimed his WBO 105 lbs world crown by decisioning Japanese Ryuya Yamanaka (16-3, 5 KO’s) in July of last year in Kobe; and then made his first  defense against Nippon warrior Masataka Taniguchi (11-3, 7 KO’s) last February in Tokyo.

Saludar’s second defense this coming Saturdayis against well-trained 22-year-old local Puerto Rican fighter Wilfredo Méndez (13-1, 5 KO’s), who is the reigning NABO (North American Boxing Organization) 105-pound monarch.

Far more accomplished and experienced fighter, Saludar is favorite to retain his belt this Saturday, though Wilfredo “Bimbito” Méndez wants to rock and shock the Pinoy.    Will the young Boricua be able to do it?

May the best Man Win!!!

Images courtesy of PRBBP.

The author Carlos Costais a Panama boxing reporter living permanent in the Philippines.   Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.comand whatsapp +639184538152.