REY SALUDAR kicked off the PLDT-Abap campaign in the 27th Asian Men’s championships with a close majority victory over Japanese Hayashida Syota Monday in Amman, Jordan.
Two judges gave Saludar all three rounds for similar 30-27 scores while the third judge picked the Japanese, 29-28.
The 24-year-old Saludar, the 2010 Asian Games flyweight gold medalist from Polomolok, South Cotabato, rained swift crosses on his younger foe from the get-go.
Japan’s reigning national champion fought back with well-timed counters but failed to sway the two judges.
Grassroots development find Joel Bacho started aggressively against another Japanese, Hiroki Inoue, but failed to sustain his momentum, losing on all judges’ scorecards.
The lean PH team is also composed of recent China Open silver medalist Junel Cantancio (lightweight), light flyweight Rogen Ladon, a substitute for injured Mark Anthony Barriga, and Kuala Lumpur City gold medalist Mario Fernandez (bantamweight).
According to Abap president Ricky Vargas, the new finds are being exposed to the international arena in preparation for bigger tournaments ahead.
Coaches are Pat Gaspi, Ronald Chavez and Roel Velasco. Gaspi and Velasco are also here to update their 3-star coach status as mandated by AIBA (International Boxing Association). Chavez had his upgrade 2 months ago in Assisi, Italy.
Delegation head is Abap executive director Ed Picson. Roy Luarca