Taduran defense in limbo
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 26 Nov 2024
IBF minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran would rather face super WBA/WBO titlist Oscar Collazo of Puerto Rico in a unification showdown than stake his crown against China’s Zhu Dian Xing but he’ll fight whomever, now that his defense in Jeju Island, South Korea, is in limbo.
Taduran, one of the Philippines’ two reigning world boxing kings, was set to take on Zhu last Saturday but promoter Sang Bum Kim pulled the plug two weeks before. Lack of sponsors was reportedly an issue, making the event financially untenable. Kim has staged 21 events in Vietnam, South Korea, Uzbekistan and Cambodia since 2019 and is no stranger to big matches through his Cocky Buffalo Promotions. After the postponement, Taduran broke camp at the Elorde gym in Sucat and stayed a week with his family in Cabuyao, Laguna. A few days ago, Taduran returned to work with trainer Erbing Penalosa at Elorde. “Sayang training namin at biglang na-postpone,” said Penalosa. “Light training muna kami at hintay kung sino mauna mag-offer, labanan namin.”
MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons said he was surprised the fight was scratched. “All I know is that they’re trying to reschedule the fight in Macau in January,” he said. Taduran’s manager Marty Elorde said everything is up in the air. “Wala pang confirmed date,” he noted. “Yung promoter may problema ‘ata sa sponsor. Relax muna sa ensayo at may inaayos si Sir Sean. Gusto ni Pedro si Collazo. Si Sir Sean ang mag-arrange kung mabigyan ng chance.”
Although Taduran prefers Collazo, he won’t back down from engaging Zhu who’s the highest ranked IBF contender with a record of 14-1, including 12 KOs. Taduran, 28, said his dream is to become a unified champion but he’s staying away from countryman WBC 105-pound ruler Melvin Jerusalem. His target is Collazo whose record is 11-0, with eight KOs. Collazo, 27, has victimized Filipinos Garen Diagan, Vic Saludar and Jerusalem so Taduran’s mission is payback.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Canadian World Cruiserweight Contender Ryan Rozicki returning to ring March 7th
Thu, 01 Jan 2026Lover Boy on hot streak
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 31 Dec 2025Silvano fights Gurung on January 13 in Hong Kong
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 31 Dec 2025GM Laylo faces tough competition in Caloocan rapid chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 31 Dec 2025GOLDEN BOY DELIVERS A LOADED UNDERCARD OF STAR PROSPECTS FOR ROCHA VS. CURIEL II
Wed, 31 Dec 2025Arca wins silver in Eastern Asian Juniors Chess Championships 2025
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 31 Dec 2025Donaire awaits WBA order
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 30 Dec 2025Anthony Joshua injured in car crash in Nigeria
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 30 Dec 2025Sampson Boxing Signs Red Hot Middleweight Vito Mielnicki Jr to Exclusive Promotional Contract
Tue, 30 Dec 2025Undefeated Carl Jammes Martin Plots Next Move as New Year Unfolds
Mon, 29 Dec 2025Alvin Gayeta Roma leads Mansa Engineering Consultancy Team B to rule New York Chess Academy Team Tournament; pockets P100,000
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 29 Dec 2025Llover, Casimero stop foes in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 28 Dec 2025Organizing Committee Meets for Dr. Eugene Torre Rapid Chess Tournament Honoring FIL-CHI’s Golden Anniversary
Sun, 28 Dec 2025KEYSHAWN DAVIS RETURNS ON THE RING 6 UNDERCARD AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
Sun, 28 Dec 2025IM Datu captures 4th IIEE Chess SIKAT, Jeremy Marticio repeat champ for 5th mini-tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 27 Dec 2025