The former Nanakuli resident got his wish.

He's going to Johannesburg, South Africa, next month to fight Vuyani Bungu, the International Boxing Federation world champion. The title fight is set for Aug. 20.

"This is great. I'm excited to have an opportunity to fight for the world title again," Salud said from San Diego, Calif.

"I'll go anywhere," said Salud, who lost to WBA champion Antonio Cermeno in Maracay, Venezuela, early last year and then to IBF champion Welcome Ncita in Bergamo, Italy, in 1992.

Bungu was on the undercard in Salud's title fight with Ncita. The South African won the IBF title from Kennedy McKinney, who had dethroned Ncita.

Salud saw Bungu's bout with McKinney, who had retained his title by beating Salud in 1993.

"He throws a lot of punches but he's not a big puncher," Salud said about Bungu. "I'll put him in the corner and work on him."

Salud, who is 53-7 with 31 knockouts, is ranked No. 9 by the IBF.

He was the World Boxing Association super bantamweight champion in 1990 when he was stripped of the title for not defending it against challenger Luis Mendonza of Colombia, in Colombia