By I. Inojales | 09:44 PM, October 29, 2025
TAGBILARAN CITY – Boholano fighter Nico Salado of Duero may have lost his bout, but he won the hearts of his hometown supporters after putting up a gallant stand against rising boxing star Eman Bacosa in the undercard of “Thrilla in Manila 2” held Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
Bacosa, the son of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, outpointed Salado via unanimous decision, with the judges scoring 58-55, 58-55, and 60-53, extending his perfect record to 7-0 with four knockouts.
Despite the loss, Duero Mayor Al Taculad expressed pride in Salado’s performance.
“Still, congratulations, Nico! Proud gihapon mi sa imong gipakita nga performance sa laban. Padayon lang,” Taculad said.
The 23-year-old Salado, who showed grit and heart throughout the bout, vowed to train harder and return stronger in his next fight.
“I’ll keep practicing and improving. This is just the beginning,” he said.
