Taduran to put foe to sleep

IBF minimumweight champion and the Philippines’ only reigning world titlist Pedro Taduran is determined to stay on the throne when he takes on unbeaten challenger Brandon Moreno in a scheduled 12-round bout at the Kiva Auditorium in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this morning (Manila time). Taduran, 30, is making the fourth defense on his second tenure as IBF king with Moreno, 33, just as resolute to become only the second Spaniard to win the 105-pound crown after Jorge Mata in 2002.

It’s a classic matchup. Their styles are a contrast with Taduran a heavy-handed southpaw and Moreno an orthodox stylist. Nine of Moreno’s last 10 fights went the full route and this is his first 12-rounder. Taduran has figured in 12 12-rounders, five going the distance and is on his sixth overseas assignment. Moreno has never fought outside of Spain.

“Moreno’s a serious guy and this is his opportunity of a lifetime,” said Taduran’s matchmaker Sean Gibbons. “He’s looking to take the belt back to Spain. It’s all or nothing. I believe Pedro is the best 105-pounder in the world so he should pound this guy and stop him sometime in the eighth, ninth or 10th round.”

Moreno’s older brother Angel attempted to claim the WBC flyweight title in 2019 but lost on points to Charlie Edwards. Now, it’s his turn to try and bring a world title to the family. Moreno said his movement and skill level will be difficult for Taduran to overcome. The Spaniard turned pro in 2019 and has compiled a 16-0 record, with five KOs. Taduran made his pro debut in 2015 and has a 20-4-1 slate with 14 KOs.