Vic Saludar retains WBO belt after dominating win over Japanese foe

Japan’s Masataka Taniguchi and Vic Saludar of Philippines (R) fight during their WBO minimum weight boxing title bout in Tokyo on February 26, 2019. (Photo by JIJI PRESS / JIJI PRESS / AFP) / Japan OUT

MANILA, Philippines—Vic Saludar retained his WBO World minimumweight title after dominating Japan’s Masataka Taniguchi to get the unanimous decision win Tuesday at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

The Filipino champion earned all three of judges’ nods 118-110, 117-111, 117-111 in his first defense of the title that he won in July of 2018 also in Japan against Ryuya Yamanaka.

“I’m very happy, everything went to plan,” said Saludar via BoxingScene.com. “I knew I had to aim for the body. I never felt in danger.”

Saludar, who is one of the five Filipino World champions that include Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire, Jerwin Ancajas, and Donnie Nietes, improved to a 19-3 record with 10 knockouts.

The 28-year-old orthodox fighter is also on a five-fight winning streak after his victory against Taniguchi.

Taniguchi, who’s three years Saludar’s junior, dropped to 11-3.