Former boxing world titleholder Orlando Salido said he would donate his salary as an elected deputy of the Sonora state legislature to help area families most affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Mexican boxer, who won four titles as a featherweight and junior lightweight, said the economic consequences of the outbreak have prompted many factories in his district -- which includes his hometown of Ciudad Obregon -- to send employees home. On Wednesday, he purchased nonperishable items for families in need.
"Seeing this situation with COVID-19 -- that they're sending everyone home and people need something to bring home but how there's nothing, they're closing all the factories, the businesses -- we wanted to contribute something to help alleviate the burden during this contingency period," Salido told ESPN.
Salido, 41, dealt Vasiliy Lomachenko his only defeat and scored two victories over Juan Manuel Lopez on his way to a record of 44-14-4, including 31 wins by knockout. He said he would like to see others in the boxing community contribute during the pandemic and that he knows what it is to endure difficult times.
"I started to reflect on how I could help those who live day to day," Salido said. "Here in my hometown there are folks who get by on very little, washing cars, to support their families. I come from a humble background, born in poverty, and I improved my situation thanks to boxing. It gave me the good things that I have."
"Siri" Salido was elected to the Sonora state legislature in 2018. His draw with then-junior lightweight champion Francisco Vargas was named the 2016 ESPN Fight of the Year.