By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Undefeated Froilan “The Sniper” Saludar sparred twelve rounds for the first time in preparation for a scheduled IBF flyweight title eliminator against McWilliams Arroyo of Puerto Rico on May 31.

The 25 year old Saludar who has a record of 19-0-1 with 12 knockouts is ranked No.11 by the IBF, No. 3 by the WBO and No. 7 by the WBC.

Veteran trainer Jun Agrabio told the Manila Standard after a training session at the gym of Dr. Rajan Yraola in Quezon City “this  the best chance for him to win and fight for the world title next” against the winner of the clash between Kazuto Ioka of Japan and champion Amnat Ruenroeng of Thailand.

Agrabio said Saludar was “adjusting to our program. His sparring was okay but I want him to throw his punches with more speed.”

He said “Froilan’s  condition is good. It’s the first time he sparred 12 rounds and I explained to him that he doesn’t need a knockout. If a KO comes it’s a bonus. He’s got a strong jab and a right straight.”

Saludar sparred four rounds with southpaw Noli Morales, another four against Edward Penerio and the last four rounds with newcomer Mark Macabales who is a fighter of former Philippine champion Emil Romano.

The trainer was confident Saludar who right now weighs 117 pounds won’t have a problem making the weight.

The 28 year old McWilliams Arroyo was an outstanding amateur boxer and has a pro record of 14-1 with 12 knockouts with his only loss in a four round bout against Japan’s Takahi Okada.

In his last fight Arroyo won the WBC Latino Interim title  when he won by a 4th round knockout over Miguel Tamayo on February 2, 2013.

The Puerto Rican won a gold medal at the 2009 World Amateur Championships and the 2007 Pan American Games. He represented Puerto Rico in the 2008 Olympic Games but lost in the third round of competition to Cuba’s Andry Laffita.