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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Boxing devider Taduran out to give Balunan a reality check in IBF title defense

Taduran out to give Balunan a reality check in IBF title defense

Published Oct 25, 2025 01:57 pm

At A Glance

  • Reigning champion Pedro Taduran Jr. wants nothing but an impressive victory when he defends his IBF minimumweight belt against mandatory challenger Christian Balunan in the Thrilla in Manila II Countdown at the San Andres Sports Complex Sunday, Oct. 26.
(Wendell Alinea)
(Wendell Alinea)
Reigning champion Pedro Taduran Jr. wants nothing but an impressive victory when he defends his IBF minimumweight belt against mandatory challenger Christian Balunan in the Thrilla in Manila II Countdown at the San Andres Sports Complex Sunday, Oct. 26.
The 28-year-old Taduran, who currently holds an 18-4-1 (13KOs) card, plunges into his first local fight in two years against the undefeated Balunan (12-0-0, 7KOs) who is eager to steal the crown against his compatriot in their 12-round clash.
“Ito ‘yong paraan para mas makilala ako sa buong mundo, at maging isang kampeon balang araw, bata palang ako ito na ‘yong pinapangarap ko,” said the Cebuano Balunan during the fight press conference at the Orchid Garden Suites Saturday, Oct. 25. “Baka bukas champion na ako, sisiguraduhin ko talaga na mabigyan ng magandang laban,” he added.
But it is easier said than done as he is facing an equally determined Taduran who wants to impress the Filipino fans and keep his title intact.
“Special kasi dito ako lalaban sa Maynila, kaya maraming nakakilala sa akin ang makakanood,” the southpaw Taduran responded.
“Excited po akong depensahan ‘tong belt, hindi ko [hahayaang] magawa niya ‘yong gusto niyang gawin,” he added.
Taduran successfully defended his crown in a rematch with Japanese Ginjiro Shigeoka – the very same pug he defeated in July 2024 – last May in Osaka, Japan.
“Lahat ng makakaya ko, ibibigay ko talaga, lahat ng pinaghirapan namin sa training ipapakita ko [sa laban],” said Taduran.
"Basta 'yong istilo na ginawa namin ng mga coaches, ilalabas ko talaga do'n at sana maging masaya ang mga tao sa makikit nilang laban," he added.
Balunan, on the other hand, has been on a respite since his technical-decision triumph over compatriot Robert Paradero last December.
“Mas excited ako na dehado ako, hindi naman hadlang ‘yong odds, mas nacha-challenge akong talunin [si Pedro] bukas,” Balunan stressed. “Ito ‘yong gateway ko sa success.”
Meanwhile in the other events, Hong Kong’s Rex Tso and India’s Sagar Chouhan battle it out for the IBF Pan Pacific Bantamweight championship, while Filipino pugs Miel Fajardo and Esneth Domingo lock horns for the IBF Pan Pacific Flyweight strap.
Rising stars across the country are also taking the spotlight with 11 other contests serving as undercard.
Admission is free with the gates opening for the Manny Pacquiao Promotions-led slugfest at 10 a.m.
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