Pedro Taduran, the reigning IBF minimumweight world champion from the Philippines, continues to strengthen his reputation as one of the most accomplished and battle-tested fighters in the country’s modern boxing era. Known for his aggressive style, durability, and ring intelligence, Taduran has become a consistent draw for boxing fans both locally and on the international stage, with his performances reinforcing his status among the elite in the minimumweight division.
The Filipino champion was recently seen attending the “Fist of Fury 10: The Eliminator” event held at the Cebu Coliseum, where he closely followed the action in a key IBF world title eliminator featuring China’s DianXing Zhu and Filipino contender Ian Abne. The bout carried significant implications for the division, with Zhu ultimately emerging victorious after a grueling 12-round contest, earning the right to become Taduran’s mandatory challenger for the IBF crown.
Despite the development of a new challenger in Zhu, Taduran made it clear that his immediate focus remains on a potential unification showdown with Puerto Rico’s Oscar Collazo, who currently holds both the WBO and WBA minimumweight world titles. A fight between Taduran and Collazo would determine supremacy in the division and potentially crown an undisputed champion at 105 pounds.
OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.
“Sa ngayon inaayos na po yung next kong laban. Baka August or September na yung next ko na laban. Inaayos na ni Sir Sean Gibbons yung laban ko kay Collazo. Kung maayos na, si Collazo ang una kong kakalabanin. Para sa akin si Collazo may dalawang belt na hawak siya, so siya yung pipiliin ko na kalabanin,” Taduran said during the event.
“Baka ngayong July babalik na ako sa U.S. Baka malagay ako sa undercard ng Pacquiao-Mayweather, kami ni Collazo,” he added.
Reigning IBF Champion was asked who is his next opponent?
Pedro Taduran: “Nothing yet but we want @Oscalito6 next.”
TO BE THE BEST YOU HAVE TO BEAT THE BEST, @Oscalito6 is the best in the division according to everyone and that is why Taduran wants him next. Collazo wya?! pic.twitter.com/Vlk7XKIsCf
— OLE (@AJArietaPH) April 9, 2026
The 29-year-old champion has been steadily active in discussions surrounding major fights in the division, with his team reportedly working on securing the biggest possible opportunities on the international stage. Taduran’s willingness to face elite opposition underscores his ambition to unify world titles and cement his legacy in Philippine boxing history.
At ringside in Cebu, Taduran carefully observed the eliminator between Zhu and Abne, analyzing styles and potential future matchups. Zhu’s victory not only elevated him into mandatory position but also introduced a new layer of intrigue to the division’s landscape, with multiple high-stakes fights now looming for the IBF champion.
Should the unification bout with Collazo fail to materialize, Taduran acknowledged that a showdown with Zhu could be next on the horizon, adding further complexity to his upcoming fight schedule. Either way, the Filipino champion appears set for a defining stretch in his career, with major world title fights firmly within reach.
Reflecting on the eliminator bout, Taduran praised both fighters for their toughness and technical ability, while also noting how their styles could translate into interesting matchups for him in the future.
“Napakagandang laban, umabot ng 12 rounds, pareho silang matibay, lalo na si Abne, matibay din. Para sa akin, maganda yung style ng Chinese kasi pabor din siya sa style ko. Fighter kasi siya, hindi na ako hahabol sa kanya sa ring,” Pedro concluded.
As negotiations continue behind the scenes, Taduran remains focused on preparation, knowing that the coming months could define his standing not only in the minimumweight division but also in Philippine boxing history. Whether it is a unification clash with Collazo or a mandatory defense against Zhu, the IBF champion is poised for another high-stakes chapter in his career.
Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!
Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.
Leave a Reply