A date with history is on for Filipino boxers Samuel Salva and Pedro Taduran.
This will unravel on Saturday night evening when Salva and Taduran clash for the vacant International Boxing Federation minimumweight crown.
Their fight takes place at the Jurado Hall inside the Philippine Marine Corps Base at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.
The clash, which will be open to the public, is presented by Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions with the duel for the IBF 105-lb crown between Salva and Taduran, two Filipinos fighting for a world title for the first time in almost a century.
Salva is unbeaten after 17 fights, including 10 by knockout.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa pagkakataon ng binigay sa akin para lumaban sa world title,” said Salva, who is also known as the “Silent Assassin.”
The 22-year-old Salva is coming of a unanimous decision over Rene Mark Cuarto last March.
On the other hand, Taduran has a 13-2 win-loss slate, with 10 wins coming via stoppage.
“Gagawin ko lahat sa laban na ito para ko ay manalo,” said Taduran.
The showdown will be the first time in almost a century as two Filipinos slug it out for a world championship on Philippine soil.
It was in 1925 when this last happened, when flyweight king Pancho Villa defended his crown against Clever Sencio at Wallace Field (now Luneta) in 1925.
“It’s a fact that this is a historic event. It’s been 94 years since two Filipino boxers have challenged for a world title,” said Sean Gibbons, president of MP Promotions.
What adds prestige to the card is the presence of IBF president Daryl Peoples and Ratings Committee chief Anibal Miramontes, who flew in from the US on Wednesday, along with IBF super-flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas and his trainer Joven Jimenez.
The official weigh-in, meanwhile, takes place Friday at 2 p.m. at the Acero Hall, just across the fight venue.
