TWO-TIME world champion Vic Saludar showed that he’s still a world-class talent after an impressive seventh round knockout of up-and-comer Ariston Aton in the main event of “Rumble in Naga” on Dec. 21 at the Enan Chiong Activity Center in Naga City, Cebu.
Saludar dropped Aton on one knee after landing a left hook to his ribs. Aton was counted out by referee Kristoffer Embodo at the 2:55 mark.
Saludar won the Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) minimumweight belt and improved to 22-6 with 12 knockouts, ending a two-fight slump.
Aton’s woes continued as he lost his fifth-straight fight. He dropped to 9-6 with five knockouts.
Saludar is still rated No. 6 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) minimumweight division. He’s a former WBA and World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight champion.
In the undercard, Speedy Boy Acope (3-0, 2 KOs) demolished John Rey Lauza (13-26-5, 6 KOs) in the second round; Michael Adolofo (4-0, 2 KOs) knocked out Anthony Galigao (9-19, 4 KOs) in the opening round; Jason Mopon (8-17, 1 KO) scored a rare win after defeating Grant Elorza (2-2-2, 1 KO) by unanimous decision; Johnro Taneo (2-0-1, 2 KOs) fought Marlon Alejandro (2-3-1) to a majority draw; Cherwellan Cantel (2-0, 1 KO) beat Mark Anthony Rotilles (2-10, 1 KO) by majority decision; Joebert Dacullo (1-0) won his pro debut after beating fellow newcomer Raffie Jamero (0-1) by unanimous decision; George Sedillo (1-0-2) outclassed Dondi Lariosa Janonillo (0-1) by unanimous decision; and Alec Xandhre Bonita (4-0-1, 4 KOs) settled to a majority draw with Royder Lloyd Borbon (6-13-3, 6 KOs).