Pedro Taduran to defend IBF title vs. Christian Balunan ahead of Thrilla in Manila 2

Reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) mini-flyweight champion Pedro Taduran has solidified his status as one of the finest boxers to emerge from the Philippines—and he may still be far from his peak.

Taduran is set to return to the ring just three days before the grand commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the “Thrilla in Manila” this October. It has been officially announced that the Filipino world champion will defend his IBF minimumweight title against undefeated Cebuano prospect Christian Balunan on October 26 at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.

“A world championship boxing bout will absolutely rock the nation prior to the Thrilla in Manila 2 festivities. We’re kicking off the week with Pedro Taduran’s IBF title defense against an undefeated opponent from Cebu,” said Sean Gibbons, president of MP Promotions, in a media briefing.

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“Thrilla in Manila 2, organized by our very own Manny Pacquiao, needs a strong teaser heading into the main event—and Pedro and Christian are both ready to start what promises to be an explosive boxing weekend,” he added.

(UPDATE) THREE days before the revival of Thrilla in Manila spectacle, a prelude of world title fight will start the weekend of great boxing show between reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion Pedro Taduran and Christian Balunan on October https://t.co/pQuVCF4Ph0

— The Manila Times (@TheManilaTimes) September 21, 2025

Taduran recently reminded the boxing world why he’s one of the most dangerous fighters in his weight class. He defeated Japanese standout Ginjiro Shigeoka in a high-stakes rematch via split decision on May 24 at Intex Osaka in Japan.

The result mirrored their first title clash at Shiga Daihatsu Arena in Otsu, Japan, on July 28, 2024, when Taduran stopped Shigeoka in the ninth round. Although the Japanese fighter entered the rematch with a revised strategy, the relentless pressure from the Filipino champion proved too much.

Taduran controlled most of the fight, peppering Shigeoka with punishing combinations. After taking sustained damage, the Japanese fighter had to be stretchered out of the ring post-fight. The judges’ scorecards read 115–113, 113–115, and 118–110, awarding Taduran a hard-fought split decision.

“I’m proud to help open one of the biggest boxing weekends in our country and grateful to Sir Manny Pacquiao for the opportunity. I’ll make sure to bring my best version into the ring to defend my crown and entertain the crowd,” said Taduran.

Filipino fight fans can also look forward to a stacked undercard during the Thrilla in Manila 2 festivities. Scheduled to compete are WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem, two-division world champion Marlon Tapales, Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial, undefeated super bantamweight rising star Carl Jammes Martin, and Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of the legendary Muhammad Ali.

With world title fights, top Filipino talent, and historic symbolism, the event promises to be both a celebration of the Philippines’ rich boxing legacy and a showcase of its next generation of stars.

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