FROILAN Saludar will have a chance to earn a title shot and will take on former Olympian McWilliams Arroyo on June 19 in an IBF super flyweight eliminator bout at the Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
“The winner will be the mandatory challenger of the IBF champion from Thailand,” said SGG Promotions big boss Sammy Gello-ani, who handles Saludar’s career.
The 25-year-old Saludar has been training at Nonito Donaire Sr.’s new gym, the Donaire Sr. Boxing and Fitness Gym in Oakland California. He has sparred for over 120 rounds and was reportedly able to spar with former world champion Abner Mares.
Saludar is rated No. 4 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO), No. 6 in the World Boxing Council (WBC) and No. 12 in the IBF, while Arroyo is ranked No. 11 in the IBF.
This is Saludar’s first fight outside the Philippines. He is unbeaten in 20 fights and has a 19-0-1 record that includes 12 knockouts.
Arroyo, on the other hand, is an amateur standout and has fought most of his pro fights in Puerto Rico. He has a 14-1 slate with 12 knockouts. His only defeat was against Takashi Okada by unanimous decision in 2010.
Saludar is leaving with trainer Jun Agrabio Jr., Bobby Villaver and Gello-ani for Puerto Rico on June 15, confident of taking home the mandatory challenger status.
“Good preparation for this fight is the guarantee to win and Froilan Saludar is ready for it. Let just hope and pray that he will deliver it to us to give another honor for the country and finally go for the world title fight,” said Gello-ani.
The winner of the title eliminator becomes the next challenger of unbeaten IBF flyweight champion Amnat Ruenroeng.