Boxing moves on
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 24 Feb 2021
Taduran (L) and Cuarto face off this Saturday in Gensan with Taduran's IBF belt at stake.
Since the pandemic struck last year, seven pro boxing shows have been staged and there’s another coming off the wraps in General Santos City this Saturday. It hasn’t been easy to get the ball rolling as promoters are finding it difficult to cover expenses with no live audience. Because of government restrictions, shows are allowed only in MGCQ areas and promoters must provide quarantine bubbles for fighters. But with GAB’s support, pro sports is back on track, slowly although surely.
Last Saturday, GAB chairman Baham Mitra personally supervised proceedings in promoter Bebot Elorde’s six-fight card in Binan, Laguna. It was the third pro boxing event in Luzon during the pandemic----Gerry Balmes put on the first in Rizal, Laguna last December and Cucuy Elorde the second in Paniqui, Tarlac, last month. Other shows were two by Sanman in General Santos City and two by Omega Sports in Mandaue. This Saturday’s card is headlined by IBF minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran’s second title defense against Rene Mark Cuarto.
What’s significant is despite limited resources, a second world title fight involving two Filipinos will be launched locally this month. The Binan card saw Vic Saludar carving out a win by split decision over Robert Paradero to claim the vacant regular WBA 105-pound throne. Mayor Arman Dimaguila hosted the Binan event which was mounted under strict safety conditions with health facilitators in PPEs. To set an example, Mitra wore a facemask throughout the show which started at 11 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m.
Taduran was recently cited by the weekly London trade magazine Boxing News as one of 10 “young guns” in the fight game today, “those under-25s (who) have already achieved notable success.” Also in the list were Teofimo Lopez, Jamie Munguia, David Benavidez, Elwin Soto, Wilfredo Mendez, Shakur Stevenson, Junto Nakatani, Devin Haney and Brandon Figueroa. Here’s what Boxing News wrote about Taduran: “Twelve months after an unsuccessful attempt to claiming WBC strawwweight honors, Filipino Taduran collected the vacant IBF crown at 105 pounds in September 2019 … his one defense so far ended in a majority technical draw (with Daniel Valladares in Mexico in February last year).” Taduran has a 14-2 (11 KOs) record compared to Cuarto’s 18-2-2 (11 KOs). They’re both 24. Cuarto is ranked No. 3 by the IBF and is the highest-ranked available contender since the No. 1 and No. 2 slots are vacant. Four other Filipinos are in the top 10 ladder, No. 4 Melvin Jerusalem, No. 5 Samuel Salva, No. 6 Lito Dante and No. 8 Marco John Rementizo.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Thunderdome 48 - Jude Grant vs Fano Kori
Sun, 24 Nov 2024World Boxing backs plan to create a new Confederation in Asia
Sun, 24 Nov 2024The message is clear – Asian Boxing Confederation remains united with the IBA
Sun, 24 Nov 2024OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOUNDATION HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY FOR EAST LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Life vs. Death: The Ultimate Ringside Showdown Immortalized in Pierce Egan’s Boxiana
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 23 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 284: TEAM MARK MAGSAYO CONFIRMS RETURN TO THE RING ON DECEMBER 14
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 23 Nov 2024RJP Boxing promotes in Bucana on Dec. 17
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Good Prospects at Minimumweight, Light Fly, Super Bantam and Super Feather in 2025
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma is the new World Senior Blitz champion; Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat takes the bronze medal
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 23 Nov 2024KAMBOSOS JR SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Sat, 23 Nov 2024INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2025 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th
Sat, 23 Nov 2024Ring Master promotes in Calinan on Dec. 21
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024NP Bansalan boxing team in Matalam
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024New York, Minnesota Biggest Trade Gainers; Los Angeles Has the Rookie Draft Steal
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 22 Nov 2024