Pedro Taduran, one of only two Filipino world champions in boxing, defended his IBF strawweight belt with a unanimous decision victory over fellow Filipino Christian Balunan on Sunday at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
Taduran (19-4-1, 13 KOs) used his experience and vast technical skill to outclass the previously unbeaten challenger, who lost via scores of 118-110 on two cards and 117-111 on the third.
The 28-year-old Filipino was firmly in control throughout the 12-round contest and appeared to have dropped Balunan (12-0, 7 KOs) with a left hand at one point. It was, however, ruled a slip. Balunan then responded with combinations to Taduran and landed clean left hooks in a concerted body attack that seemed to slow down the hometown hero momentarily.
That was the only bit of adversity Taduran had to face against Balunan, who fought with a big gash over his right eyebrow starting in the fourth round after an accidental clash of heads. Post-fight, the champ credited for being durable and courageous in a post-match interview with BoxingScene.
“I was also tired because we’ve reached twelve rounds, because he wants to win and he’s strong,” said the Filipino.
Pedro Taduran: One of Only Two Pinoy World Champs
The pride of Libon, Albay, Pedro Taduran is one of only two Pinoy world champions at the moment along with WBC strawweight titlist Melvin Jerusalem. He is now in his second reign as the IBF champion at 108. Taduran first became a world champion in 2019 when he beat Samuel Salva for the vacant IBF strawweight belt. He defended it once before losing it to compatriot Rene Mark Cuarto in February 2022.
It took him two years, but Taduran regained the title in July 2024 when he stopped Ginjiro Shigeoka in nine rounds. He beat the Japanese fighter again in May of this year, this time via split decision, for his first defense. With his win over Balunan, Taduran has now had more title defenses compared to his first reign.
Moving forward, Taduran told BoxingScene that he wants to fight Oscar Collazo next. The Puerto Rican is 13-0 with 10 knockouts and is the WBO and WBA champion. He previously beat Filipino Jayson Vayson after the Filipino’s camp inexplicably waived the fight off despite the latter still being in the fight.
If the stars align and Pedro Taduran does meet Collazo, he just might exact revenge for his compatriot.
