MANILA, Philippines – Given a crack at a world title, Samuel Salva wants to make sure he’s in optimum form physically and mentally.
Knowing DeeJay Kriel – his opponent for the International Boxing Federation minimumweight crown on August 23 in Manila – is skillful and durable, Salva will spend the final 6 weeks of his preparations at Survival Camp in Barangay Ramirez, Magallanes, Cavite.
The 22-year-old Salva also trained at the secluded facility jointly put up by head trainer Joven Jimenez and IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas for his title fight eliminator with Rene Mark Cuarto on March 23.
A 5-foot-1 dynamo, Salva won by unanimous decision to become mandatory challenger to Kriel, who wrested the IBF 105-pound crown with a 12th round knockout of Mexican Carlos Licona on February 16 in Los Angeles.
Licona is best remembered for besting Filipino Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga by split decision in their duel for the then vacant crown last December 1.
According to Jimenez, Salva, who is fighting under the stable of his cousin, Raffy Jimenez, in Iligan City, held Barriga on even terms during their sparring sessions at Survival Camp.
Salva, dubbed the “Silent Assassin,” is unbeaten in 17 fights with 10 knockouts while Kriel, born in Johannesburg, South Africa, totes a 15-1-1 record with 7 knockouts.
Kriel, 24, enjoys a two-inch height and reach advantage over Salva, who’s presumed to be the stronger puncher, however.
The Salva-Kriel battle was arranged by international matchmaker Sean Gibbons, head of MP Promotions, which submitted the lone title bid to the IBF. – Rappler.com
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