ALMATY, Kazakhstan—Filipino fighter Rey Saludar stunned Cuba’s Jorge Luis Cordero Parlay by split decision Thursday and joined compatriot Charly Suarez in the semifinals of 4th Kazakhstan President’s Cup here.
Saludar, the reigning Asian Games champion who is carrying the torch for the PLDT-Abap team like Suarez, earned the nod of two of the three judges, 28-27, 28-27, 27-28.
Saludar stood his ground against the taller Cuban, exchanging haymakers the whole fight to the delight of the crowd at Baluak Sholan Palace of Culture and Sports.
“He is a very strong puncher but I think I hurt him more,” said the Philippine Army enlisted man in Filipino.
The close victory earned Saludar a last-four encounter with Kazakhstan’s fancied flyweight A. Suleimenov on Saturday.
Suarez battles Mongolian Otdondalai on Friday for a spot in the finals.