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Philippines, 19 Jan 2026 |
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Pedro Taduran Defends IBF 105 Belt Against Christian Balunan Sunday By Dong Secuya PhilBoxing.com Sat, 25 Oct 2025  IBF minimum-weight champion Pedro Taduran defends his belt against undefeated challenger Christian Balunan in an all-Filipino world title clash on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the San Andrés Sports Complex in Manila—serving as the headliner of the “Thrilla in Manila II Countdown” card. Taduran (18-4-1, 13 KOs) is the reigning IBF champion following a successful rematch defense after reclaiming the title in Japan last year. Balunan (12-0, 7 KOs) is the rising challenger from Cebu, determined to stage an upset and make his name on the world stage. At the official weigh-in today, both fighters came in at 104.3 lbs — comfortably under the 105-pound maximum for the division. The bout is scheduled for 12 rounds under IBF world title rules.  Taduran and Balunan shake hands after their official weighin Saturday in Manila. Balunan stands 5′6″, giving him a distinct two-inch height edge over Taduran (5′4″). His camp sees that as a tactical advantage. Taduran returns to the ring after a strong international showing and is motivated to cement his reign. His camp expects a tactical battle. The fight is seen as a symbolic passing-of-the-torch moment—veteran champion versus hungry rising star—set against the backdrop of the Philippines’ storied boxing tradition. Balunan enters as the slight underdog, but with everything to gain if he executes his game-plan. His coach, Edito Villamor, emphasised that Balunan must use his skills and length to disrupt Taduran’s rhythm. Taduran however is eyeing a unification bout against WBO and Ring Magazine champion Oscar Collazo and is highly motivated to win against his upstart challenger. Will Balunan employ his height and reach to control distance and keep Taduran at bay? Can Taduran impose his southpaw style, body work and ring experience to neutralize the challenger? How will the early rounds play out: a tentative feeling out, or an explosive start? With both fighters tipped in at the same weight and the local crowd firmly behind them, Sunday’s showdown promises to be a compelling chapter in minimum-weight boxing. The question remains: will the champion reaffirm his status, or will the challenger rise to seize an opportunity and rewrite the narrative?  Miel Fajardo (L) and Esneth Domingo pose during Saturday's weighin. In the co-main event that is the highly anticipated bout by local fans between Esneth Domingo (22-3, 14 KOs) and Miel Fajardo (12-3-2, 11 KOs) for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) Pan Pacific flyweight strap.  Tso and Sagar face off during Saturday's weighin. In the featured undercard, undefeated Rex Tso (23-0, 14KOs) of Hong Kong takes on India's Sagar Chouhan (7-0-2, 3KOs) in what will be Tso's second fight since returning this year after he ended his eight-year retirement. Tso weighed in at 117.7 lbs while Sagar came in at 118.4lbs. The bout is scheduled for 10 rounds in the bantamweight division. This card is part of the broader “Thrilla in Manila II” celebration card, offering the champion and challenger a huge platform in front of a home crowd. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.  |
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