PEDRO Taduran kept the IBF minimumweight championship following a dominant performance against Christian Balunan in an all-Filipino clash on Sunday night at the San Andres Sports Complex.
The 28-year-old champion was hardly in danger against the taller and lanky challenger from Cebu in their 12-round title bout, cruising to a 118-110, 118-110, and 117-111 win in the second successful defense of his title.
Photo: Jhay Otamias
Taduran, a two-time world champion, is now 19-4-1 overall with 13 KOs after repeatedly punishing and bloodying Balunan to make up for a slow in the opening round.
The 25-year-old Balunan, who suffered a nasty cut just above the right eyebrow in the fourth round, suffered the first loss of his pro career and fell to 12-1, including seven KOs.
"Matibay siya. Nahirapan akong pabagsakin siya kaya umabot kami ng 12 rounds," said Taduran in giving credit to Balunan's no-quit attitude during the fight.
Following the lopsided win, talks about a possible unification match between Taduran and WBA counterpart Oscar Collazo of Puerto Rico looms in the horizon.
Taduran's chief trainer Carl Penalosa believes the Filipino has a good chance of beating Collazo and addind the WBA title belt to his collection.
"Nakita ko na si Collazo at malaki ang tsansa natin na manalo," said the veteran trainer.
Collazo retained his crown just last month following a seventh round knockout of Filipino Jayson Vayson in a controversial outcome in California.
The event serves as prelude to the 50th celebration of the Thrilla in Manila.
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