Do-or-die fight for Paradero

MANILA, Philippines — Unbeaten Robert Paradero yesterday admitted it will be tough to beat former WBO champion Vic Saludar but he’s confident of getting the job done in their 12-round fight for the vacant WBA minimumweight crown in Biñan on Feb. 20 because losing isn’t an option in this chance of a lifetime.

“Patay kung patay,” said Paradero who’s making his debut outside of Visayas and Mindanao. “Bihira dumating ang pagkakataon na lumaban para sa world championship. Ito ang aking dream fight, ang pag-asa kong makaahon sa kahirapan ng pamilya. High school graduate lang ako, wala akong pinag-aralan na kurso, wala akong alam gawin kundi boksing. Alam ko beterano si Saludar pero ang magpapanalo sa akin ay tapang ng dibdib. Buo ang loob ko.”

Paradero, 24, had an opportunity to fight Wilfredo Mendez in a WBO title eliminator in Puerto Rico in December 2018 but it was postponed to March. When Paradero checked in at NAIA to leave for San Juan, he was stopped by immigration authorities for lacking the proper visa. Paradero went back home crying and the fight was cancelled for good. Saludar, then the WBO titlist, went to Puerto Rico instead and lost to Mendez in August that year. Now, Paradero and Saludar will square off for the WBA “regular” throne. The WBA “super” title is held by Thai Knockout CP Freshmart. Saludar is ranked No. 4 and Paradero, No. 5.

Saludar, 30, has a 20-4 record, with 11 KOs, compared to Paradero’s 18-0, with 12 KOs. Promoter Bebot Elorde said he expects an action-packed fight between an experienced counterpuncher and an aggressive come-forward brawler. The bout will be held outdoors in a football stadium in Biñan with no audience under strict IATF health guidelines. Because of the pandemic, the fight was postponed thrice before it was finally confirmed. GAB chairman Baham Mitra said the government agency is in charge of site inspection, fight supervision and ensuring compliance of safety protocols. Paradero arrived in Manila from Malaybalay last Jan. 31 while Saludar is due to land from Polomolok today. The fighters will undergo quarantine in Biñan this weekend.

Paradero has sparred nearly 100 rounds to prepare for Saludar. “Ang aking ambisyon ay makilala ng buong mundo bilang world champion,” he said. “Balak kong tapusin ang laban ng maaga.” Four of his 12 KO wins came in the first round. Paradero said his lethal weapons are the overhand right and right uppercut. While he’s known as a plodder, Paradero said his left jab is also a killer. In his corner will be trainers Jojo Singsing and Archier Villamor. “Handang handa na ako,” said Paradero. “Sa Malaybalay, dami kong ka-sparring, sina Jay-R Tulinan at Cris Omayao. ‘Di ko masasabi kung anong style ang gagamitin ko sa laban, depende ‘yan sa sitwasyon. Ang ipapakita ko ang tapang at lakas ng mga idolo ko, Senator Manny Pacquiao at JohnRiel Casimero. Walang atrasan ‘to.”