By Nick Giongco
Fighting on enemy territory, Vic Saludar easily posted a 12-round unanimous decision over Japanese challenger Masataka Taniguchi on Tuesday to retain his World Boxing Organization (WBO) miniflyweight crown at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
Saludar, making the first defense of the WBO 105-lb throne he had won last year in the port city of Kobe, was awarded lopsided scores of 118-110 and 117-111 (twice) by the three judges at ringside.
The southpaw Taniguchi, 25, never had Saludar, 28, in trouble as the Filipino fighter told the Japanese media that he “never felt in danger.”
The win boosted Saludar’s record to 29-3 with ten KOs while the setback dropped Taniguchi’s ledger to 11-3 with seven KOs.
“Everything went to plan,” added Saludar, who comes from a family of boxers.
With Saludar’s win, the Philippines kept its number of world champions at five with Manny Pacquiao leading a pack that includes Nonito Donaire, Jerwin Ancajas and Donnie Nietes.
Saludar, who hails from Polomolok, South Cotabato, will relish his latest win before thinking about his next fight, according to manager Kenneth Rontal.
