Pedro Taduran defends title against fellow Filipino, eyes title unification bout

Filipino boxer Pedro Taduran moved one step closer to a unification bout after toppling fellow Filipino Christian Balunan via unanimous decision in the Thrilla in Manila II Countdown at the San Andres Sports Complex on Sunday, Oct. 26.

Taduran defended his International Boxing Federation (IBF) Minimumweight crown and is eyeing a unification bout against World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) champion Oscar Collazo.

Taduran controlled the pace of the whole fight as the previously undefeated Balunan absorbed shots to the head and body all throughout the affair.

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28yr old Pedro Taduran (19-4-1) cruises to a UD-12 win over very tough Christian Balunan (12-1) – who fought through a brutal cut over his right eye for most of the bout – to defend his IBF World Minimumweight title in Manila, Philippines 🇵🇭. Official scores 117-111 & 118-110 x2 pic.twitter.com/L4jej9FFj4

— TimBoxeo (@TimBoxeo) October 26, 2025

Balunan was on the back foot the whole fight after suffering a cut due to an accidental headbutt in the fifth round, but showed heart as the champion blitzed through combinations on top of combinations.

Many expected Balunan’s corner to stop the fight, but the challenger continued to step out of the stool. Taduran continued the onslaught in the championship rounds en route to the landslide victory.

The Judges scored the bout 117-11, 118-110, and 118-110 as Taduran improved to an 18-4-1 win-loss-draw record.

Meanwhile, Balunan suffered the first defeat of his career after dropping to a 12-1 record.

Sean Gibbons, Taduran’s promoter, has previously expressed his interest in scheduling a fight between the Filipino champion and Collazo for a title unification bout.

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