Young RP boxer does a Pacquiao in Tammer Cup

Young RP boxer does a Pacquiao in Tammer Cup


MANILA, Philippines – Filipino amateur boxer Victorio Saludar demolished his opponent in a flash to the delight of the spectators in the opening day of the 31st Tammer Cup at the Pynikki Palloiluhalissa Stadium in Finland.

According to Philboxing.com, the 19-year-old Saludar surprised United Arab Emirates‘ (UAE) Al Mas Dhandhani with a flurry of punches, forcing the Arab to back up against his own corner.

This prompted the referee to gave Dhandhani a standing 8-count.

The UAE fighter eventually survived the count but was met by more punishment from Saludar.

The referee then halted the fight to save the hapless Dhandhani, awarding the win to Saludar with 1:51 left in the first round.

The Philboxing.com report said the spectators cheered wildly over Saludar’s astounding performance. Many among the crowd were reportedly heard comparing the 19-year-old amateur to Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao.

"We get that a lot,” said Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) executive director Ed Picson. “People everywhere identify our boxers with Pacquiao. We don't mind, obviously. We're proud to be associated with him."

Also part of the Philippine delegation to Finland are boxing coaches Roel Velasco and Ronald Chavez.

With the win, Saludar has advanced into the semi-finals on Saturday against Russian Artem Ivaschenko. He is already assured of at least a bronze medal.

Also set to fight in the Tammer Cup are Filipinos Charly Suarez, Delfin Boholst and Rey Saludar.

Suarez will see action against Anatoly Bokreev of Russia, Boholst will face Scot Jason Easton and Saludar will be up against UAE’s Ahmed Al Mesmari.