Reigning champion Pedro Taduran Jr. may be giving up a few inches in height to challenger Christian Balunan, but the tough southpaw remains unfazed heading into their IBF minimumweight title showdown on Sunday, Oct. 26, at the San Andres Sports Complex.
Used to facing taller opponents, Taduran said he and his coach Carl Peñalosa have crafted a solid game plan for his title defense.
“Sanay naman ako lumaban ng matangkad na tulad ni Balunan. Maganda ang game plan namin ni coach Carl Peñalosa,” said Taduran, confident that fans will witness an impressive performance.
But confidence runs both ways. Balunan, the undefeated mandatory challenger, declared that the title will change hands.
“Sigurado ako, 100 percent na mananalo ako,” Balunan said with conviction.
The 28-year-old Taduran, who sports an 18-4-1 record with 13 knockouts, will be fighting on home soil for the first time in two years. Balunan, meanwhile, enters the 12-round clash carrying an unblemished 12-0 slate with seven knockouts, determined to dethrone his compatriot and claim his first world title.
Both fighters made weight at 104.3 lbs. during Saturday’s weigh-in.
“Special itong laban kasi dito sa Maynila ako lalaban, kaya maraming nakakilala sa akin ang makakanood,” said Taduran. “Excited akong depensahan ang belt — hindi ko hahayaang magawa niya ang gusto niyang gawin.”
Taduran is coming off a successful title defense against Japanese contender Ginjiro Shigeoka in a rematch held last May in Osaka, Japan — the same opponent he first defeated in July 2024 to capture the belt.
Balunan, for his part, has been out of the ring since scoring a technical-decision victory over fellow Filipino Robert Paradero last December.
“Mas excited ako na dehado ako,” Balunan admitted. “Hindi hadlang ang odds — mas na-cha-challenge akong talunin si Pedro. Ito ang gateway ko sa success.”
The IBF has appointed Filipino officials Aquil Tamano, Gil Co, and Oliver Garcia as judges, with Alfie Jacosol serving as referee.
In the undercard, Hong Kong’s Rex Tso faces India’s Sagar Chouhan for the IBF Pan Pacific Bantamweight Championship, while Miel Fajardo and Esneth Domingo clash for the IBF Pan Pacific Flyweight title.
Rising local prospects will also see action in 11 other bouts that promise to keep fans entertained throughout the day.
Admission is free, with gates opening at 10 a.m. for the Manny Pacquiao Promotions-led boxing event.
