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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Boxing devider Pedro Taduran eyes unification match vs Puerto Rican star Collazo

Pedro Taduran eyes unification match vs Puerto Rican star Collazo

Published Oct 27, 2025 12:35 pm

At A Glance

  • IBF world champion Pedro Taduran Jr. is eyeing a lucrative fight to unify the minimumweight titles as he challenges Puerto Rican star Oscar Collazo to a showdown early next year.
(Wendell Alinea)
(Wendell Alinea)
IBF world champion Pedro Taduran Jr. is eyeing a lucrative fight to unify the minimumweight titles as he challenges Puerto Rican star Oscar Collazo to a showdown early next year.
Fresh from beating compatriot Christian Balunan to retain his belt in their main-event 12-round clash in the Thrilla in Manila II Countdown at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila Sunday, Oct. 26, Taduran was convinced he is ready to challenge Collazo who is there reigning WBA, WBO, and the The Ring Magazine champion.
The 28-year-old southpaw from Libon, Albay is determined to make it happen.
“Ngayon inaabangan ko po, sana makasa na ‘yong laban namin ni Collazo,” said Taduran, who improved to 19-4-1 win-loss-draw card (13KOs).
If the plan fails to push through, Taduran has his Plan B: fight WBC king Melvin Jerusalem (24-3-0).
“Kung ‘di pwede, si champ Jerusalem, okay laban,” Taduran continued.
"Kahit saan, kahit kailan, kung may pagkakataon na bigyan ako ng laban for unification kasa ako," he added.
Collazo recently retained his straps after beating Filipino rising star Jayson Vayson (14-2-1) via technical knockout in Indio, California last month.
There, Collazo declared his intention of becoming Puerto Rico’s first undisputed champion after publicly mentioning the names of Taduran and Jerusalem, who he had already beaten via a KO victory in their WBO showdown two years ago at the same venue.
Jerusalem, 31, on the other hand, has to focus on his mission at hand as he seeks to keep his title against South African Siyakholwa Kuse (9-2-1) in the Thrilla in Manila 50th Anniversary at the Smart Araneta Coliseum this Wednesday, Oct. 29.
Matchmaker Sean Gibbons was also looking forward to the same idea for Taduran next year, specifically setting the match in January or February.
“Unification, they would’ve heard it… hopefully January or February, if not… again we’ll push it over and over again,” said Gibbons. “Again, that’s the best way to do it.”
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Pedro Taduran Jr. Melvin Jerusalem Oscar Collazo
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