Samuel “Silent Assassin” Salva, 21, of the Philippines will face reigning International Boxing Federation World Minimumweight Champion DeeJay Kriel, 23, of South Africa.
Featuring 11 professional boxing bouts, “Rising Stars” took place at Resorts World Manila in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines on March 23, 2019. It is the first co-promoted boxing event of Ringstar Asia of Scott Patrick Farrell, 47, and MP Promotions of Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, Sr., 40.
In the co-main event of the evening, Salva faced fellow Filipino boxer Rene Mark Cuarto, 22, in an International Boxing Federation Minimumweight title eliminator bout. Teddy Alivio served as the referee.
After 12 three-minute rounds, the bout was left in the hands of the judges. Both Silvestre Abainza and Arnie Najera scored it 116-112 while Gil Co scored it 117-111.
In the end, Alivio raised the hand of Salva, who was declared the winner via unanimous decision. This made Salva still an undefeated boxer with a professional boxing record of 17 wins and 0 loss while Cuarto now has 16 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw.
Pacquiao watched “Rising Stars” live with his wife Jinkee Pacquiao, 40, and their children Emmanuel “Jimuel” Pacquiao, Jr., 18, Michael Stephen Pacquiao, 17, Mary Divine Grace Pacquiao, 13, Queen Elizabeth Pacquiao, 11, and Israel Pacquiao, 4, and Jimuel’s girlfriend Heaven Peralejo, 19. They were also with NBA coach Metta World Peace, 39, who was previously known as Ron Artest, and his son Jeron Artest, 18.
Representing RCJ Boxing Gym, Salva is the former Philippines Mindanao Professional Boxing Federation (MINPROBA) Mininumweight Champion. He is trained by Arnold Y. Palafox and managed by Neil Francis Rafael.
Salva made his professional boxing debut on January 31, 2016. Details about his bout against Kriel have yet to be announced.
Competing professionally since April 10, 2014, Kriel has 15 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw. He became the IBF World Minimumweight Champion on February 16, 2019 when he dethroned former champion Carlos Rogelio “Mexicanito” Licona, 24, of Mexico via knockout at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California, United States.
–conandaily.com
