Rising Stars: Samuel Salva stays unbeaten, gets shot at IBF minimumweight belt

Mark Cuarto (L) vs Samuel Salva (R) in Rising Stars card at Resorts World Manila. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Undefeated Filipino Samuel Salva earned a world title shot after outclassing compatriot Mark Cuarto in the Rising Stars fight card Saturday at Resorts World Manila.

Salva won via unanimous decision with the judges scoring it, 116-112, 116-112, 117-111.

The 22-year-old Salva had Cuarto in trouble in the ninth round, rocking him with a solid right to the jaw.

Cuarto had a hard time dealing with Salva’s counter right especially in the later rounds.

Salva (17-0, 10 KOs) is now next in line to challenge current IBF minimumweight champion Deejay Kriel (15-1-1, 7 KOs) of South Africa.

Meanwhile, Enrique Magsalin also won by unanimous decision over Justine Darap in a flyweight encounter.