CEBU CITY -- Pedro “Kid Pedro Heneral” Taduran inched closer to becoming a world champion again after he dominated Jake "El Bambino" Amparo in their International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight title eliminator on Thursday night, Dec. 28, at the Bohol Wisdom School Gym in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

Taduran was the aggressor throughout the 12-round duel, scoring a unanimous decision win in the highly important match that served as the main event of the “Kumong Bol-anon XIII” boxing series.

United States-based Cebuano judge Jonathan Davis scored the bout at 119-109, Japan’s Nobuto Ikehara had it 118-110, while Thailand's Sanong Uomim scored it 116-112, all for Taduran.

With the win, Taduran became the mandatory challenger of undefeated IBF 105-pound Japanese champion Ginjiro Shigeoka (10-0, 8KOs).

“First of all, I want to thank God and I'm very happy that no one was hurt during our fight," said Taduran, who improved to 16-4-1 record with 12 knockout victories.

Contrary to what the scorecards suggest, Taduran, a former IBF minimumweight title holder, said it was not easy beating Amparo.

“Amparo is  a very good and tough opponent. That’s s why I'm very thankful to God for giving me this victory. I really worked hard for it,” said the Elorde Boxing Gym stalwart, who picked up a second-straight win after losing his world title belt in 2021.

Amparo of PMI Bohol Boxing Stable took the defeat in stride, believing that the loss will only make him a better fighter.

 “I gave it my all. It's only that I did not threw as many punches as I could. But  I learned a lot from my defeat. I got to know of the things I have to work out and improve on to become a better boxer. For now I have to take a break, take a much needed rest before going back to the drawing board,” said ,” said Amparo, who dropped to 14-5-1 with 3KOs.

Despite the loss, PMI Bohol Promotions chief Atty. Floriezyl Echavez Podot was satisfied with Amparo’s performance.

At least for now, Podot said, getting a win that would have boosted his ward’s world title aspirations was not meant to be.

 "As I always say, “In God's perfect time". Today may not be it, but for sure it will be given. You have the heart of a champion. Continue to get better and increase your burning desire,” Podot wrote on his Facebook account.

“I am very proud of you for giving your all in this fight,” Podot added.

The PMI Boxing Stable still had something to celebrate after Gerwin "Gladiator" Asilo (8-0, 3KOs) defeated Aljum "Nightmare" Pelesio of Elorde Stable via unanimous decision to wrest the World Boxing Organization Asia-Pacific bantamweight belt. 

Scores were 98-92, 98-92, and 97-93.

In the other championship match, Joseph “The Hunter” Sumabong (6-0, 3KOs) of Bohol's Black Snake Promotions nipped Erson Trinidad of Elorde Gym by unanimous decision to win the vacant World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Australasian minimumweight title.