Teacher’s pet is world champ
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 26 Oct 2024
IBF minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran is a certified teacher’s pet. His wife Mary Joy is a Grade One elementary school teacher in Cabuyao, Laguna and she’s the reason why he left training camp in Bangar, La Union, to hook up with the Elordes in Sucat, Paranaque, to be closer to family. Besides, their only child McGaven is one year old and Taduran would rather be nearer to him, too.
Taduran used to be trained by former IBF lightflyweight titlist Tacy Macalos at the Hardstone gym in Bangar but now works with Erbing Penalosa. He’s on his second reign as IBF beltholder and last July, the Albay native was sensational in dethroning previously unbeaten Ginjiro Shigeoka via a ninth round stoppage in Otsu City, Shiga prefecture. Shigeoka never went down but was clearly defenseless when referee Steve Willis waved it off. The Japanese’s right eye was almost swollen shut and his nose was bloodied as he was brought to a hospital in an ambulance after the fight.
For his first defense, Taduran will take on Chinese No. 3 contender Zhu Dian Xing in Jeju Island, South Korea, on Nov. 23. Zhu, 28, is the highest-ranked challenger as the No. 1 and No. 2 slots are vacant. His record is 14-1, with 12 KOs compared to Taduran’s 17-4-1, with 13 KOs. Zhu’s list of victims includes Filipinos Shane Gentallan, Richard Garde, Mark Rementizo and Jerry Francisco. Eight of his last nine outings ended inside the distance and his only loss was a four-round decision to countryman Fangyong Zheng in 2019.
Taduran, 27, declined to reveal what he has in store for Zhu. “May fight plan na kami ni coach Erbing,” he said. “OK ang preparasyon namin. Nag-iinsayo ako ng maayos. Balak namin pumunta sa Korea one week before the fight. Si Sir Sean (Gibbons) ang nag-areglo ng laban at mabuti nga neutral ang bansa kung saan gaganapin.”
The eighth of nine children, Taduran learned how to box from his brother Joseph when he was in Grade Three. His two brothers Jorge and Joel tried their luck as pros but weren’t successful. Taduran said his father Pedro, Sr., a farm caretaker of animals and “itak” maker, and mother Belencita, a barangay police officer, are in Libon, Albay, praying that he returns home from Jeju Island still the champion.
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