INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran is making sure he is ready for any surprises by his challenger in his coming title defense.
Taduran, who leaves for Japan on Sunday, said he will have to be ready for anything and be in top condition when he gets on the ring in hostile territory once again with Ginjiro Shigeoka.
“Sa ngayon kundisyon na po ako. At tapos na rin ang sparring sessions ko,” said Taduran following Friday’s workout at the Elorde Boxing gym in Sucat, Paranaque.
Taduran is a week away from his rematch and has taken the pains to prepare amply against Shigeoka in Osaka.
It will be remembered Taduran won over fellow southpaw Shigeoka via technical knockout in July last year in Otsu City.
“Nasa kundisyon po ako ng tatlong buwan. Alam kong paghahandaan ako ni Shigeoka. Pinagplanuhan namin ang laban. Inisip namin na baka tumakbo ang kalaban,” added Taduran.
The Japanese got stretchered out of the ring for examination in a local hospital after Taduran dominated the contest with his flurry of punches
The Bicol-born Taduran heads for Japan with co-managers Marty and Cucuy Elorde and coach Jonathan Peñalosa.
“Sa tingin namin, ayaw nang makipag-engage ng kalaban, tatakbo ito pagkatapos pumuntos. May plan A, B and C kami dito,” said Penalosa.
Last November, Taduran was supposed to defend his title against Zhu Dianxing of China on Jeju Island in Korea.
But the match was called off after the Vietnam-based Korean promoter encountered sponsorship woes.
The 5’4” Taduran has a total of 22 wins in as many fights, with 13 of them coming via the KO route.