Reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran will put his crown on the line against unbeaten Cebuano contender Christian Balunan on October 26 at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila, serving as the explosive prelude to the much-anticipated Thrilla in Manila 2 at the Araneta Coliseum on October 29.
“A world championship bout will absolutely rock the nation before the Thrilla in Manila 2 festivities,” said MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons. “Pedro Taduran’s defense against an undefeated challenger is the perfect teaser heading into a massive boxing week.”
Taduran (18-4-1, 13 KOs) captured the IBF crown in May with a rematch win over Japan’s Ginjiro Shigeoka. His challenger, Balunan (12-0, 7 KOs) enters the ring brimming with confidence, determined to seize the title.
“I am very proud to open the nation’s great boxing activities and thankful to Sir Manny Pacquiao for the opportunity,” Taduran said. “I’ll be at my best to keep the crown and entertain the crowd.”
The San Andres fight card features 10 bouts, highlighted by Hong Kong’s undefeated Rex Tso (23-0, 14 KOs) battling India’s Sagar Chouhan for the IBF Pan Pacific bantamweight belt. Filipino flyweight prospect Miel Fajardo faces compatriot Esneth Domingo for the Pan Pacific flyweight title, while Lienard Sarcon meets Junibert Bantay in another featured bout.
Promoters will announce six more undercards before Thrilla in Manila 2, which will feature the World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight title fight between Melvin Jerusalem and South Africa’s Siyakholwa Kuse.
The Araneta Coliseum card will also showcase Filipino standouts Eumir Marcial, Marlon Tapales, and Carl James Martin, along with Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of the legendary Muhammad Ali.
