IBF minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran could make his fourth title defense on home soil, with undefeated Spanish boxer Brandon Moreno emerging as a possible challenger for a potential November fight.
In an exclusive interview with DWAR 1494 Abante Radyo Sports Now, Taduran revealed that his manager and promoter have informed him of a possible title defense in November as his camp works to finalize his next opponent.
“Sa ngayon po, sinabi sa akin ng manager at promoter ko na may paparating akong laban ngayong November. Ide-defend ko po iyung title ko para hindi ako mabakante ng title,” Taduran said.
Taduran said Moreno is the prospective challenger, with the matchup still being worked out by his team.
“Ang ibinigay sa akin na kalaban ay isang undefeated boxer mula sa Spain. Siya po ang posibleng makalaban ko,” he said.
Moreno is ranked No. 11 by the IBF and owns an undefeated 16-0 record with five knockouts.
Taduran’s camp is also looking at the possibility of staging the fight in Manila, which would give the champion the chance to defend his crown in front of Filipino fans.
“Parang dito po sa atin, sa Manila,” Taduran said when asked where the potential November bout could take place.
The champion welcomed the possibility of fighting at home, saying the support of the Filipino crowd would give him added motivation to keep the IBF belt in the country.
“Sobrang saya ko po kasi dito gaganapin iyung laban ko. Dito sa atin. Kaya buo ang loob ko na lumaban para mapanatili natin iyung title sa Pilipinas,” he said.
Taduran has remained active in training while waiting for his next fight to be finalized, saying he continues to work out daily at the Elorde gym.
His previous mandatory title defense against China’s Zhu Dianxing fell through after negotiations broke down, forcing his camp to look for another opponent.
Taduran said he is also involved in discussions with his manager and promoter regarding his next challenger.
“Kasama rin po ako sa pagpili ng kalaban kasi pinag-uusapan namin kung saan ko gusto lumaban at kung sino iyung gusto kong makalaban. Maganda naman po iyung usapan namin ng promoter at manager ko,” he said.
As the only reigning Filipino world boxing champion, Taduran sees his next defense as an added responsibility to keep a world title in the Philippines.
“Para sa akin, dagdag motivation po ’yon kasi pagsisikapan kong hindi mawala ang world championship sa Pilipinas. Ako na lang po iyung natitira ngayon, kaya mas sisipagan ko pa para manatili iyung world title dito sa Pilipinas,” he said.
Should the November fight be finalized, Taduran plans to ramp up his training in September and October. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
