By: Waylon Galvez
Despite a height disadvantage against a confident opponent, reigning Filipino IBF World Minimumweight Champion Pedro Taduran feels unfazed.
He’s confident that once the bell rings, he will be ready for the challenge of compatriot Christian Balunan.
Taduran and Balunan are set to clash this Sunday, October 26, in the Thrilla in Manila II Countdown at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
“Pinaghandaan naman namin ng mabuti,” said the 5-foot-4 Taduran, who concedes two inches in height to the 5-foot-6 Balunan, during a press briefing on Saturday at the Orchid Garden Suites-Manila.
This will mark Taduran’s first fight on home soil in nearly two years. The 28-year-old champion holds an 18-4 win-loss record, with 13 victories coming by way of knockout.
Taduran captured the IBF crown in July 2024, stopping Japan’s Ginjiro Shigeoka via TKO in Otsu, Japan. He then successfully defended the title in a split decision victory during their rematch last May in Osaka.
“Pinaghirapan ko ito,” Taduran said, vowing to do whatever it takes to keep his world title.
Balunan, on the other hand, believes the timing is right for his long-awaited title shot and remains confident that he can pull off the upset.
“Mananalo ako 100-percent,” declared the Cebuano challenger, who boasts an unbeaten 12-0 record to earn his spot as the No. 1 contender for Taduran’s belt.
“Hindi po ako natatakot. Mas gusto ko yung macha-challenge ako. Mas excited ako dahil dehado ako. Iniisip nila na underdog ako, so mas nacha-challenge ako na talunin siya,” he added.
For Balunan, the fight represents more than just a championship opportunity.
“Pinaka-importante ito dahil ito ang gateway ko para maging world champion at mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang pamilya ko,” he said.
Both fighters came in at 104.3 pounds during the official weigh-in.
Meanwhile, the co-main event will feature an IBF Pan Pacific Flyweight Championship bout between Miel Fajardo and Esneth Domingo.
Rex Tso and Sagar Chouhan will collide for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific Bantamweight Championship.
