Pedro Taduran set to fight Christian Balunan in Pre-'Thrilla' anniversary match

Pedro Taduran is set to defend his IBF minimumweight title against Christian Balunan on October 26 at the San Andres Sports Complex, just three days before the 50th anniversary celebration of the historic “Thrilla in Manila.”

Taduran (18-4-1, 13 KOs) is coming off a statement victory over Ginjiro Shigeoka last May. Balunan (12-0, 7 KOs), an undefeated prospect from Cebu, will be his first challenger since regaining the title.

“I am very proud to open the nation’s great boxing activities and thankful to Sir Manny Pacquiao for giving me the opportunity to be part of this weekend boxing event,” Taduran said in a statement. “I will prepare the best version of myself to keep the crown and entertain the crowd.”

MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons said the title bout is a fitting prelude to the upcoming Thrilla in Manila anniversary festivities.

“A world championship boxing bout will absolutely rock the nation ahead of the Thrilla in Manila 2 festivities, and we will kick off the week with Pedro Taduran’s IBF title defense against an undefeated opponent from Cebu,” Gibbons said.

The main Thrilla in Manila 2 anniversary event is set for October 29 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News