PEDRO Taduran is not taking chances when he puts his IBF mini-flyweight title on the line against kababayan Christian Balunan Sunday at the San Andres Gym.
The 28-year-old southpaw champion expressed confidence retaining his crown notwithstanding the height and reach advantages of his 25-year-old challenger from Bogo, Cebu.
“Sanay naman akong lumaban ng matangkad na tulad ni Balunan,” said the 5-foot-4 champion on the eve of the 12-round title bout that serves as run-up to the 50th anniversary celebration of the Thrilla in Manila.
Sporting an 18-4-1 record (13 KOs), Taduran said trainer Carl Penalosa has figured out how to deal with the unbeaten Balunan come fight night.
This will be Taduran’s second defense of his 105lbs crown, coming off a 12-round split decision against former champion Ginjiro Shigeoka in Osaka, Japan last May.
Balunan's one shot, one opportunity
Meanwhile, the challenger (12-0, 7 KOs) is just as confident of winning his first attempt at a world championship.
“Sigurado ako, 100 percent na mananalo,” he said of the biggest fight of his four-year pro career.
Both fighters came in at 104.3lbs during Saturday’s official weigh-in at the Orchid Gardens Suite.
Third man in the ring is Alfie Jocosol, while the three officials judging the bout are Aquil Tamano, Gil Co, and Oliver Garcia.
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