By David Finger

WBO Mini-Flyweight champion Vic Saludar (18-3, 10 KOs), the popular Filipino brawler who won the world title back in July, will soon know who his first title defense will come against. On December 7 NABO champion Wilfredo Mendez, the #7 ranked mini-flyweight, will step into the ring against the #1 ranked WBO contender Robert Paradero in a bout that the WBO has just announced will be established as the mandatory challenger for Mendez (11-1, 4 KOs) will be fighting in front of his hometown crowd but the undefeated Paradero (17-0, 11 KOs) has remained at #1 for over a year and is widely regarded as one of the most attractive prospects out of the Philippines. The winner will be named the mandatory challenger for Saludar.