By MARK REY MONTEJO
IBF minimumweight world champion Pedro Taduran Jr. is aiming for a unification bout, which he thinks is the best way to further boost his stock and secure a more lucrative fight.
That was in his mind right after scoring a unanimous win over the once unbeaten Christian Balunan (12-1-0, 7 KOs) to retain his belt in their main-event 12-round clash in the Thrilla in Manila II Countdown at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila Sunday, Oct. 26.
The one that came first to Taduran’s mind is Puerto Rican star Oscar Collazo (13-0-0), the reigning WBA, WBO, and The Ring titleholder.
And the 28-year-old southpaw from Libon, Albay was determined to make it happen.
“Ngayon inaabangan ko po, sana makasa na ‘yong laban namin ni Collazo,” said Taduran, who improved to 19-4-1 win-loss-draw card (13KOs).
But if stars won’t alight, Taduran has a plan B – taking on the compatriot and WBC king Melvin Jerusalem (24-3-0).
It’s a dangerous path, but he’s willing to take the risk.
“Kung ‘di pwede, si champ Jerusalem, okay laban,” Taduran continued.
“Kahit saan, kahit kailan, kung may pagkakataon na bigyan ako ng laban for unification kasa ako,” he added.
The diminutive-but-deadly southpaw has been looking for a bout against Collazo – the very same fighter who beat Filipino rising star Jayson Vayson (14-2-1) via technical knockout in Indio, California last month.
After beating Vayso, Collano declared his intention of becoming Puerto Rico’s first undisputed pug after publicly mentioning the names of Taduran and Jerusalem, who he had already beaten via a KO victory in their WBO showdown two years ago at the same venue and city in California where sent Vayson down the canvas.
Jerusalem, 31, on the other hand, has to focus on his mission at hand as he seeks to keep his title against South African Siyakholwa Kuse (9-2-1) in the Thrilla in Manila 50th Anniversary at the Smart Araneta Coliseum this Wednesday, Oct. 29.
