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Tag: Pedro Taduran

  • Pedro Taduran vs DianXing Zhu IBF title fight called off amid negotiation issues

    Pedro Taduran vs DianXing Zhu IBF title fight called off amid negotiation issues

    Pedro Taduran’s reign as the IBF minimumweight world champion continues to highlight the resilience, toughness, and championship mentality that have defined his boxing career. The Filipino titleholder has established himself as one of the most battle-tested fighters in the lower weight divisions, building a reputation through his relentless style, physical strength, and ability to overcome adversity inside the ring.

     

    Known for his pressure-heavy approach and willingness to engage in demanding exchanges, Taduran has become a difficult challenge for any opponent in the 105-pound division. His ability to absorb punishment, maintain his composure, and continue marching forward has made him one of the most respected fighters in the category.

     

    Beyond his aggressive style, Taduran’s success has been shaped by years of experience against high-level competition. His championship journey has showcased not only his physical abilities but also his ring intelligence and determination, qualities that have allowed him to remain among the Philippines’ most dependable world champions.

     

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    However, Filipino boxing fans were dealt disappointing news regarding Taduran’s next potential title defense after Cebu-based boxing promoter Lorenzo Sy revealed that plans for a highly anticipated matchup between the IBF champion and mandatory challenger DianXing Zhu have fallen through.

     

    Sy made the announcement during the “Fist of Fury 12” boxing event in Cebu, explaining that negotiations between the two camps had collapsed due to several issues surrounding Zhu’s team.

     

    According to Sy, Zhu’s promoter, manager, and trainer Robin Wong is currently facing legal problems in China, which reportedly led to complications within the fighter’s camp. Sy also revealed that Zhu has since separated from Wong after the two parties failed to reach an agreement, creating uncertainty surrounding the mandatory challenger’s future.

    The negotiations were further complicated by financial disagreements, with Sy claiming that Wong requested a $60,000 purse for Zhu’s participation in the mandatory title fight. Sy said he was only willing to offer $35,000 for a mandatory challenger, emphasizing that Zhu was not entering the bout as a reigning world champion.

     

    “Wala na to, anugon kaayo to, gasto pa. Wala nako ato kay nilayas man to ang boxer nga si Zhu kay wala sila magkasinabot. Sayang kaayo. Akong giingnan ang manager ni Zhu, nga kung ako pa iyahang gipa-handle ato, dawaton to nako ang $35,000 nga Manila or Cebu nga world title fight,” Sy said.

     

    “Ang manager naay pagkahambugero man, ana siya nga okay moduwa mi ug Pilipinas pero $60,000 ang ilahang gusto nga purse. Dili ta makahatag ana kay dili man siya champion. Si Cucuy Elorde pud dili moduwa sa China kay hadlok sila ug hometown decision ug basin naay tikas,” he added.

     

    The cancellation of the planned bout comes as a setback for Taduran, who had already begun preparing for the mandatory challenger. The Filipino champion was seen attending the “Fist of Fury 10: The Eliminator” event at the Cebu Coliseum, where he closely watched the IBF world title eliminator between Zhu and fellow Filipino contender Ian Abne.

     

    Taduran’s presence at the event showed his readiness to face whoever emerged as the next challenger and his commitment to staying active as a world champion. The Filipino boxer had been positioning himself for another significant test in his career after reclaiming the IBF minimumweight crown and proving himself once again among the division’s elite.

     

    Despite the failed negotiations, Taduran’s long-term goals remain unchanged. One of his biggest ambitions is a potential unification showdown against Puerto Rican champion Oscar Collazo, who currently holds both the WBO and WBA minimumweight world titles.

     

    A clash between Taduran and Collazo would be one of the most significant fights in the division, with the winner moving closer toward becoming the undisputed champion at 105 pounds. The matchup would also provide Taduran with an opportunity to further strengthen his legacy as one of the Philippines’ premier boxing figures.

     

    For now, Taduran and his team will wait for the next development regarding his mandatory obligations while keeping their sights on bigger opportunities. With the minimumweight division featuring several talented champions and rising contenders, the path toward unification remains competitive and unpredictable.

     

    As negotiations, mandatory challenges, and promotional discussions continue to shape the landscape of the division, Taduran remains focused on defending his title and proving that his place among boxing’s elite was earned through resilience, discipline, and championship determination.

     

     

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  • Sean Gibbons blasts Oscar Collazo for avoiding minimumweight unification bout with Pedro Taduran

    Sean Gibbons blasts Oscar Collazo for avoiding minimumweight unification bout with Pedro Taduran

    Pedro Taduran, the reigning IBF minimumweight world champion from the Philippines, continues to cement his standing as one of the most proven and resilient fighters in the lower weight divisions of modern boxing. Built on a foundation of relentless pressure, toughness, and ring intelligence, Taduran has developed into one of the country’s most reliable world titleholders, consistently delivering performances that underline his elite status on both the domestic and international stage.

     

    Known for his aggressive fighting style and ability to absorb punishment while maintaining forward pressure, Taduran has carved out a reputation as a difficult assignment for any opponent in the 105-pound division. His championship pedigree, combined with his experience against top-tier opposition, has kept him firmly in the conversation among the division’s most dangerous contenders.

     

    Taduran is promoted by Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, and tensions within the minimumweight division have intensified in recent weeks as discussions around potential unification bouts continue to gain traction. MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons has openly criticized reigning WBO and WBA minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo, accusing the Puerto Rican titleholder of avoiding a high-profile unification clash with the Filipino champion.

     

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    Gibbons did not hold back in his assessment of Collazo’s résumé and standing in the division, insisting that Taduran has done enough to warrant a unification fight against one of the sport’s current titleholders.

     

    “Collazo, you can’t say you’re pound-for-pound and won’t even do a unification with Pedro. He’s an embarrassment to walk around and keep saying, ‘I’m The Ring’s pound-for-pound No. 9-ranked fighter, the best at 105 pounds’. You haven’t fought anybody. You fought one Thai that was past his best, you ran from Pedro for years and his last three fights have been completely embarrassing. Pedro is ready to fight. I think Collazo should go to 112 because he has embarrassed the division,” Gibbons said in a media interaction.

     

    Gibbons further emphasized that MP Promotions has made multiple attempts to initiate discussions with both Golden Boy Promotions and Cotto Promotions regarding a potential unification bout between Taduran and Collazo. However, despite repeated efforts, no formal agreement or concrete negotiations have materialized to date, leaving the matchup in limbo.

    The promotional standoff has only added to growing frustration among fans and stakeholders who have been pushing for a clear direction in the minimumweight division, where multiple champions currently hold belts but have yet to face each other to determine undisputed supremacy.

     

    While the unification picture remains uncertain, Taduran has continued to stay active and engaged within the division. The Filipino champion was recently spotted attending the “Fist of Fury 10: The Eliminator” event at the Cebu Coliseum, where he closely observed a crucial IBF world title eliminator between China’s DianXing Zhu and Filipino contender Ian Abne.

     

    The bout carried major implications for the IBF rankings, with both fighters vying for the right to become the mandatory challenger for Taduran’s world title. After a physically demanding and tactical 12-round contest, Zhu emerged victorious via decision, securing the position as the IBF’s next mandatory challenger and formally inserting himself into Taduran’s championship picture.

     

    The result adds another layer of complexity to Taduran’s immediate future, as the IBF obligation now places Zhu in line for a potential world title opportunity. However, despite the emergence of a mandatory challenger, Taduran has made it clear that his priority remains a high-stakes unification showdown rather than a routine title defense.

     

    At the center of his ambitions is a potential clash with Puerto Rico’s Oscar Collazo, who currently holds both the WBO and WBA minimumweight world titles. A unification bout between Taduran and Collazo would carry significant implications for the division, with the winner moving closer to undisputed status at 105 pounds.

     

    For Taduran, such a fight represents not only a chance to unify belts but also an opportunity to further elevate his legacy as one of the Philippines’ premier world champions. With momentum building, mandatory challengers emerging, and promotional tensions rising, the minimumweight division now finds itself at a critical juncture where clarity and resolution are increasingly being demanded.

     

    As negotiations continue behind the scenes, Taduran remains positioned at the center of one of boxing’s most intriguing and unresolved championship scenarios, with the possibility of a defining fight still firmly on the horizon.

     

     

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  • Filipino champion Pedro Taduran eyes blockbuster unification fight with Oscar Collazo 

    Filipino champion Pedro Taduran eyes blockbuster unification fight with Oscar Collazo 

    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.

     

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    “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.

    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.

     

     

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  • Filipino star Pedro Taduran bounces back to retain IBF belt, eyes Oscar Collazo showdown

    Filipino star Pedro Taduran bounces back to retain IBF belt, eyes Oscar Collazo showdown

    Pedro Taduran, the Philippines’ reigning IBF minimumweight champion, continues to cement his reputation as one of the country’s premier pugilists, delivering performances that captivate boxing fans both at home and abroad.

     

    Taduran once again showcased his skill, heart, and tactical intelligence on the international stage, successfully defending his crown against Mexico’s Gustavo Perez Alvarez at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. The bout ended in the seventh round when Taduran’s precise punching and relentless pressure forced the referee to stop the fight, securing another emphatic victory for the Filipino champion.

     

    The fight began with Alvarez taking the early initiative, using his speed and combination punching to pressure Taduran in the first two rounds. Alvarez’s sharp one-two combos and aggressive movement seemed to put Taduran on the defensive, and his trainer Carl Penalosa admitted that if his fighter did not adjust, the bout could have ended unfavorably.

     

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    “I told myself that if the Mexican gets to do what he did in the first two rounds, Pedro would lose the title,” Penalosa said in a post-fight interview, highlighting the tense early moments that tested Taduran’s composure.

     

    But the Filipino champion remained calm and methodical. By the third round, Taduran had begun turning the tide, landing sharp straight punches and powerful hooks that rocked Alvarez. His counterattacks culminated in four knockdowns, demonstrating his accuracy, timing, and ability to capitalize on his opponent’s mistakes. Taduran’s strategic shift and power ultimately led to a stoppage in the seventh round, allowing him to retain his IBF minimumweight crown with authority.

    “I felt that I could put him down when I hurt him with a body blow in the third. I always knew that I would catch him sooner or later,” Taduran said after the fight, reflecting on his patient and calculated approach inside the ring.

     

    The victory marked a significant milestone in Taduran’s career. The Libon, Albay native improved his professional record to 20-4-1, with 14 wins coming by knockout, while handing Alvarez only his second defeat in 18 professional bouts. The win not only solidifies Taduran’s position atop the IBF minimumweight division but also demonstrates his continued evolution as a world-class fighter capable of handling pressure and adversity.

     

    After the fight, Taduran indicated he would take a short break of two to three weeks to celebrate his victory and recover before resuming his training regimen. “After that, I will be doing some running again. Not exactly the start of training camp, but I will make sure that I do not gain too much weight,” he explained, signaling his focus on maintaining peak conditioning for future fights.

     

    Looking ahead, Taduran’s team is already planning for high-stakes matchups. Sean Gibbons, president of Manny Pacquiao MP Promotions, who promotes Taduran, is targeting a unification bout against Puerto Rico’s Oscar Collazo. Collazo currently holds the WBO and WBA minimumweight titles, and Taduran has publicly called for a clash to determine the undisputed king of the division.

     

    “Let’s go. Let’s unify the titles so we can determine who is the best in the division,” Taduran declared, showing his ambition and confidence as he looks to elevate his name further on the global stage.

     

    With his combination of technical skill, knockout power, and resilience, Pedro Taduran continues to build a legacy as one of the Philippines’ finest boxing talents, thrilling fans while steadily positioning himself for bigger fights and potential unification glory.

     

     

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  • Pedro Taduran arrives in America for training amidst Oscar Collazo fight negotiations

    Pedro Taduran arrives in America for training amidst Oscar Collazo fight negotiations

    Pedro Taduran, one of only two reigning Filipino world boxing champions, has arrived in the United States to begin preparations for a potential unification fight in the minimumweight division.

     

    The International Boxing Federation (IBF) titleholder landed stateside this week as his camp moves forward with training plans despite ongoing negotiations for his next bout.

     

    Taduran is currently in discussions for a high-stakes unification showdown against Puerto Rican star Oscar Collazo, the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight champion. 

     

    While the matchup has yet to be finalized, both camps continue talks as they work toward a deal that would put three major world titles on the line.

     

    The proposed bout is tentatively targeted for March, with plans pointing to Puerto Rico as the likely venue, giving Collazo home-ring advantage.

     

    Taduran, however, is wasting no time in getting ready, opting to begin his training camp early to ensure peak condition should the fight materialize.

     

    The Filipino champion will hold camp in Las Vegas, a strategic location that provides access to elite training facilities and high-level sparring. His American representative, Sean Gibbons, is based in the city and oversees a well-equipped gym that will serve as Taduran’s training base during the buildup.

     

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    Gibbons has been in active communication with Golden Boy Promotions, the Oscar De La Hoya-owned outfit that promotes Collazo, to finalize Taduran’s inclusion as the Puerto Rican champion’s next opponent. 

     

    Collazo, widely regarded as one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighters at the lower weights, is reportedly targeting a fight in the first quarter of the year. Even before the Christmas break, the southpaw had already resumed training, signaling his intent to remain active early in the 2026 boxing calendar.

     

    Like Taduran, Collazo fights out of a left-handed stance and has made it clear that his long-term goal is to unify all four major world titles at 105 pounds. The Puerto Rican champion has also expressed plans to move up in weight later in the year after completing his unification campaign.

     

    The minimumweight division also features another Filipino titleholder in Melvin Jerusalem, the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) champion. Collazo previously defeated Jerusalem nearly two years ago, though Jerusalem has since rebounded with strong performances, adding further intrigue to the division’s title landscape.

     

    For Taduran, the move to the United States underscores his readiness to seize a defining opportunity in his career. 

     

    Should negotiations be completed, the March bout could mark one of the biggest unification fights in Philippine boxing in recent years, with Taduran aiming to cement his place among the sport’s elite.

     

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  • WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem stays ready for whoever comes next: Collazo or Taduran

    WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem stays ready for whoever comes next: Collazo or Taduran

    Melvin Jerusalem has firmly cemented his place among the Philippines’ boxing elite, capturing multiple professional honors and currently holding the World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight championship. The 31-year-old southpaw continues to impress fans with his skill, discipline, and determination inside the ring.

     

    Jerusalem’s most recent triumph came on October 29, 2025, at the Araneta Coliseum, during the 50th anniversary of the iconic Thrilla in Manila. Facing South African boxer Siyakholwa Kuse, Jerusalem delivered a commanding performance in front of his home crowd, securing a unanimous decision victory and successfully defending his WBC minimumweight belt.

     

    With the win behind him, Jerusalem now turns his attention to a highly anticipated rematch against World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo of Puerto Rico for a chance at a unified title.

     

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    However, the rematch hinges on Collazo’s potential clash with fellow Puerto Rican and International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran. Taduran has reportedly begun training in Los Angeles for the bout, though no official announcement has been made. If the fight proceeds, the winner would face Jerusalem for a unification showdown.

    Regardless of the opponent, Jerusalem remains focused and ready.

     

    “The plan was really Collazo. But we are waiting for the final announcement on who he is fighting. Whether it’s me or Taduran, I just have to stay ready. Let’s see how it plays out. If Taduran ends up fighting Collazo, we will know soon. Whoever comes out of that, I’m always ready,” Jerusalem told the media.

     

    “I leave everything to God’s plan. I will just continue training hard and stay prepared. While I’m still a world champion, I want to achieve more, if that is God’s will,” he added.

     

    Jerusalem capped off a remarkable 2025 by defending his WBC minimumweight title twice. He first overcame Japan’s Yudai Shigeoka via unanimous decision before following up with a dominant win over Siyakholwa Kuse.

     

    “I’m very thankful for 2025. Defending my title twice was a big blessing. I thank God for giving me the strength and conditioning, both in training and in the fight,” Jerusalem said.

     

    Currently, Jerusalem is training at the ZIP Sanman Boxing Gym, sharpening his skills and maintaining peak conditioning. The world champion is leaving nothing to chance, preparing to be the best version of himself whenever the next opportunity arises, whether it comes against Collazo or Taduran.

     

     

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