Saludar destroys Japanese foe in one round

MANILA, Philippines – Froilan Saludar scored a spectacular first-round victory to dethrone Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation bantamweight champion Keita Kurihara of Japan at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo Thursday night.

The powerful and calculating Saludar went on a blistering start, knocking down Kurihara — the World Boxing Council’s No. 3-ranked bantamweight — three times en route to the devastating stoppage.

"I am grateful for this opportunity and the win. I respect Kurihara, but I worked hard for this,” said the 34-year-old fighter from Polomolok, Cotabato del Sur.

Saludar, who is promoted by General Santos City-based Sanman Boxing, raised his record to 34-7-1, with 24 KOs. Kurihara, meanwhile, fell to 17-8-1, with 15 KOs.