Saludar battles Japanese foe in first world title shot

Froilan Saludar will try to dethrone Sho Kimura as the World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight champion when they collide on July 27 in Qingdao, China. (Pixabay photo)

MANILA — Another Filipino is on a quest for a world boxing title this month.

Froilan Saludar will try to dethrone Sho Kimura as the World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight champion when they collide on July 27 in Qingdao, China.

Saludar (28-1-2 win-draw-loss record with 19 knockouts) knocked out his last five opponents, earning him a shot at the Japanese pug’s belt, the first world title attempt in his career.

Kimura, on the other hand, only had one defense of the title he wrested from Zou Shiming on July 28, 2017, a technical knockout win against fellow Japanese boxer Toshiyuki Igarashi right on New Year’s Eve last year.

Since losing his pro debut, Kimura has gone unbeaten in his last 18 fights, winning his last 11.

In another championship fight, Sonny Katiangdagho takes on Baishanbo Nasiyiwula of China for the vacant WBC Asia and WBA Asia super lightweight titles.