Pedro Taduran, the reigning IBF minimumweight champion, solidified his position as the top fighter in the 105-pound category by defeating Spain's Brandon Moreno in a unanimous decision. The match took place at the Kiva Auditorium in Albuquerque, New Mexico, during the early hours on a Saturday morning Manila time, marking another successful title defense for the champion.
This victory was particularly significant as it was Taduran's fourth defense of the title he acquired from Ginjiro Shigeoka two years ago. With his win, Taduran not only maintained his championship status but also showcased his skills against an opponent known for being tough and previously unbeaten. Moreno, who entered the ring ranked No. 4 by the IBF, surprised some with his ability to withstand Taduran's advances, but ultimately fell short in a closely contested bout.
Taduran, 30, opened the match with aggressive tactics, applying constant pressure on Moreno. His effective use of a left straight allowed him to score early points against his challenger, who opted for defensive maneuvers and occasionally countered in limited spurts. Matchmaker Sean Gibbons noted the unique style of Moreno, suggesting that he had hoped for a different approach to the fight but acknowledged that Taduran's skills overcame these strategies.
The judges unanimously favored Taduran, with one judge, Anthony Romero, scoring the fight 120-108, indicating a dominant performance. Other judges, Esther Lopez and Mark Sanchez, scored it 115-113, recognizing Taduran's control throughout the match. As the fight progressed, Taduran intensified his efforts, securing three of the last four rounds, which further solidified his lead on the scorecards.
Taduran's experience played a crucial role in the match, according to his manager Marty Elorde. Their team, despite facing challenges such as coach Erbing Penalosa's absence due to visa issues, remained composed and executed their game plan effectively. At weigh-in, Taduran weighed 104.8 pounds the day before and increased to 113.6 pounds during the required second weigh-in, adhering to the IBF's regulations.
Looking ahead, the future of Taduran's title reign is uncertain. Gibbons had previously sought a matchup against WBO/WBA champion Oscar Collazo, but those plans fell through as Collazo opted to vacate his titles and move up two weight divisions, avoiding a potential clash with Taduran. With Collazo no longer in the picture, Taduran may focus on unifying the title against Siyakholwa Kuse, the current WBC champion from South Africa. Taduran himself has expressed readiness to face any challenger that comes his way in the ring.
This victory not only reinforces Taduran's status within the minimumweight division but also raises questions about future matchups, as he continues to pursue greater challenges in his boxing career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Pedro Taduran defeat in his latest title defense?
Pedro Taduran defeated Spanish challenger Brandon Moreno in a unanimous decision.
How many title defenses has Taduran completed since regaining his IBF minimumweight title?
Taduran has completed four title defenses since regaining his IBF minimumweight title two years ago.
What are Taduran's plans after his recent victory?
Taduran aims to unify his title against WBC champion Siyakholwa Kuse, among other potential challengers.
Reporting by Teddy Coranes for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.