FILIPINO boxing imports gave Australians Andrew Maloney and Sam Goodman early Christmas presents in two separate title bouts at Sydney’s harbourside The Star casino recently.
Froilan ‘Sniper’ Saludar failed in his bid for the vacant WBO oriental super-flyweight title by losing by unanimous decision to Maloney in a 12-rounder on Tuesday, December 21, 2021.
The following night on Wednesday, at the same venue, Richie ‘Magnum’ Mepranum lost to Goodman by TKO in the sixth of a 10-rounder for the vacant WBO oriental super-bantamweight title.
Saludar showed superior boxing savvy to the Australian’s and was picking his punches well as he moved cleverly around the ring. But he also presented Maloney with an easy target, holding his guard down and leaning on the ropes frequently allowing the Australian to flail away and score valuable points.
Mepranum was equal to the task against the Australian, until he surprised the packed casino event centre crowd by turning away and going down on his knees after a glancing punch from Goodman and calling it quits by TKO ion the sixth round.
Saludar and Mepranum had come to their match with more match experience: Saludar with 32 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw; Maloney with 24 wins, 2 losses; Mepranum with Mepranum, with 36 wins, 8 losses, 0; Goodman with 9 wins, . 0 losses.
After his loss, Mepranum said he had fought with a swollen right hand.
Saludar, 32, is from Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao; Mepranumn, 34, is from Sarangani in Mindanao.
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Pictures:
Froilan Saludar with his guard down, left, taunts Andrew Maloney.
Richie Mepranum, left, elects to go down and quit as Sam Goodman watches.