Balunan challenges Taduran on Oct. 26 in Malate
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 24 Sep 2025
UNBEATEN Christian “Punchtian” Balunan of Bogo, Cebu will challenge reigning IBF World minimumweight championship Pedro “Kid Pedro Heneral” Taduran of Albay in an all-Filipino title on October 26 at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
The 25-year-old Balunan [12-0-0, 7KOs], who is trained by Edito “Ala” Villamor, scored four knockouts of his six wins since 2023.
Balunan said that “every boxer has a chance as long as he trains well”.
“We've been training for a whole year. We're ready for the preparation,” said Balunan.
Balunan recently won by technical decision over Robert “Inggo” Paradero of Malaybalay City last December 21, 2024 in Tagbilaran City.
Among Balunan’s other victims were Charlie Malupangue [3rd TKO May 6, 2023], Ariston Aton [UD July 24, 2023], Aditep Maungcharoen of Thailand [3rd round KO], Clyde Azarcon [2nd round KO March 8] and Dexter Alimente [2nd round TKO July 27].
“I think there's a big chance for me to win,” said Balunan.
Taduran [18-4-1, 13KOs], on the other hand, retained his crown by a split decision against Ginjiro Shigeoka of Japan in their rematch last May 24 at Intex Osaka in Osaka.
The 28-year-old Taduran took away the title from Shigeoka by a 9th round technical knockout last July 28, 2024 at the Shiga Daihatsu Arena in Otsu.
The event is billed as the “Thrilla in Manila Countdown” and Manny Pacquiao of MP Promotions is promoting it.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
VERGIL ORTIZ VS. ERICKSON LUBIN PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AT TEXAS LIVE!
Wed, 24 Sep 2025All set for Ozamiz chessfest
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 24 Sep 2025Was It Worth the Trouble?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 24 Sep 2025Balunan challenges Taduran on Oct. 26 in Malate
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 24 Sep 2025“Night of Champions” set to highlight WBO’s 38th Convention
Wed, 24 Sep 2025Omandam, Lim rule Damosa Land 5150 debut
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 24 Sep 2025PH PRIDE: Filipino chess master wins in Malaysian Seniors Open Chess Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 23 Sep 2025Kevin Brown Victorious - Retains His WBA Continental North American Title
Tue, 23 Sep 2025Kingsley “The Black Lion” Kingsley Ibeh Rolled to 11th win in a row to become new WBC FECARBOX Heavyweight Champion
Tue, 23 Sep 2025Former World Champion Marcus Browne Returns to the Ring Against Brandon Glanton in Nigeria on Independence Day
Tue, 23 Sep 2025MATCHROOM SPORT PRESIDENT BARRY HEARN OBE RECEIVES FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF LONDON
Tue, 23 Sep 20252025 Sports Heroes Night on Sept. 28 at TRM
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 23 Sep 2025IIEE Singapore notches 7th level championships in Chess Olympiad, IIEE Metro East is shootfest Champ
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 23 Sep 2025Danovis Pooler and the Martial Art of Boxing (Special Series 2 of 5)
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Mon, 22 Sep 2025Junior, Youth and Elite Divisions Conclude on Final Day of 2025 USA Boxing National Open
Mon, 22 Sep 2025