Ronquillo Salvador Looking To Branch Out For Respect
Apr 2, 2009 • 12:00 AM ET
By Rey Danseco
LITTLE known Filipino fighter Ronquillo Salvador became a world champion in his hometown recently. In his next fight, he is willing to defend anywhere the world to get respect and recognition.
The 27-year old native of Hamtic town in Antique province took the vacant World Professional Boxing Federation (WPBF) flyweight world title after beating the game Denna Moechtar of Indonesia with unanimous decision over 12 rounds at the jam-packed multi-purposed gym in Sibalom, Antique.
“This is one step towards stardom, I want (to win) more title belts,” said Salvador, who is willing to show his talent in the United States, Mexico and elsewhere.
“My critics say I’m not a world class (fighter), but let me tell you, if they will give me a chance, I will prove to those people that they made a mistake in judging my abilities,” added Salvador, who is working out under former two-time world flyweight king Erbito Salavarria and former OPBF super flyweight king William Develos, the last Filipino boxer who trained by the great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde.
Salvador has the support of the whole province of Antique, where he learned to box as amateur in 1990s.
It was last Saturday when Salvador made is debut as a pro in his native land. Thanks to the support of Representative Exequiel Javier (lone district of Antique) and his son Paolo Javier to promoter Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr, Salvador got a chance and realized his dream to become a world champion.
“Indeed, this (belt) is (a symbol of) a world champion, though not popular compare to BC, BA, BO etc,” said Salvador. “But hey, before they (other world champs) can say they’re the best, they must beat me first.”
With Salvador’s coronation, the Philippines have two world flyweight champions along with IBF-IBO’s Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire.
Other Filipino world title holders are Gerry Penalosa (WBO bantam) and Donnie Nietes (WBO minimumweight).
Overall, the Philippines produced at least 13 world flyweight champions.
The complete list of Pinoy world flyweight champs includes Salvador, Donaire, Manny Pacquiao (WBC), Malcolm Tunacao (WBC), Rolando Bohol (IBF), Dodie Boy Penalosa (IBF), Frank Cedeño (WBC), Erbito Salavarria (WBA, WBC), Bernabe Villacampo (WBA), Salvador “Dado” Marino, Eleuterio "Little Dado" Zapanta (WBA), Benjamin "Small Montana" Gan, and Francisco "Pancho Villa" Guilledo.
