Salud vows
to return to ring
Nanakuli's Jesus Salud says he plans to return to the ring next month after 17 months off.
Salud, 40, is slated to fight Ruben Estanisloa, 26, of Mexico, on Oct. 24 for the vacant WBO Asia-Pacific featherweight title, although no contract has been drawn up yet. Estanisloa is 15-6 with 3 KOs but has lost three of his last five fights.
"Most likely I am going to do it," Salud said. "I caught the bug and am still in great shape. After this, I will be in the top 10 and may have a shot at the world title again."
It will be Salud's first fight at home since losing to Fernando "Bobby Boy" Velardez of California on May 15, 2001. His last fight was a loss at the hands of William Abelyan in Oklahoma City, and Salud has lost four of his last five fights and four of his last five title fights.
Salud is 63-13 in his career, which began in 1983 and has won seven title fights in that span. Salud would have to pass a physical approved by the Hawaii Boxing Commission, but he says that he has already done so and is ready to go.
"The doctor took an X-ray of my spine and said that I have the spine of a 20 year old," Salud said.
Promotor Ed Presley said he envisions a series of seven local fights for Salud, hopefully culminating in another world title fight. Salud says he will take each fight as it comes, but the possibility of fighting for a world title intrigues him.
"Boxing is a tough sport, and I don't have to fight," Salud said. "We'll see what he offers each time."
Although no details have been drawn up, Glenn and Nonito Donaire are expected to be on the undercard in their quest to trap Waipahu's Brian Viloria in the ring.
The Donaire brothers moved from California to Hawaii -- they are training in Kalakaua Gym -- in an attempt to coax a fight out of Viloria, who beat both of them on his way to the Olympics. Boxingtalk.com reported that negotiations were ongoing for an April fight between Viloria and Glenn Donaire.
Gary Gittelsohn, Viloria's manager, denies it and says that Viloria will never stoop so low.
"The Donaire brothers are living in some sort of a fantasy land," Gittelsohn said. "They have always followed Brian and wanted to be Brian. Well, Brian has bigger things to worry about than them. If Brian gave a rematch to every fighter he beat as an amateur, he would be fighting every day and never be a world champion."
Presley is still trying to put together the card, but expects Calvin Odom (13-5, 9 KOs) to return to Hawaii after knocking out Eric Alexander at the Sheraton Waikiki in April. Alexander decided to retire shortly after that fight.
Leon Panoncillo will bring in a pair of fighters from Thailand to take on a pair from Mexico. Detchrit Vor Surapol, who knocked out local boy Jerry Saribay in his pro debut in June, will take on Vincent Silva (15-7, 8 KOs), while Kaichan Sor Vorapin (1-6) meets Eduardo Morales (15-5, 3 KOs).
Around to possibly steal the card are Marilyn Salcido (9-4, 3 KOs) and Ivonne Munoz (5-1, 1 KO).
Tickets range from $10 to $50.
