Filipino Pedro Taduran Draws with Valladares; Retains IBF World Title in Wild Red War in Mexico

By Carlos Costa

Filipino IBF Minimum World Champion Pedro Taduran, defended for the first time his title after scoring a technical majority draw in four rounds with Mexican challenger Daniel “Cejitas” Valladares Saturday, February 1, at the Expo Beer Garden in Guadalupe, Nuevo León, Mexico.

Since the opening bell, Taduran and Valladares went at each other, exchanging furious shrapnel, neither of them at no time giving any ground to his opponent till a big and rough non intentional clash of heads opened a gash on the right eyebrow of the brave Mexican challenger.

The cut undoubtedly pushed Valladares to press the action even harder as it was clear that the bad opening would not allow him to advance much in the fight.

Taduran, meanwhile, continued releasing dangerous power shots, taking advantage of Valladares’ unceasing bleeding.

During the final instances of round one, the Filipino seem to have dominated the exchange of bombs. But much more was yet to come.

In chapter two, the fighters kept their furious pace, none of them giving and inch. Taduran, a rough warrior. Valladares, brave and tough-as-nails keeps on battling it out with red liquid pouring out, both boxers thrilling fans as more wild exchanges ignite the ring in Mexico.

In the third frame, Taduran is seen connecting more solid blows with Valladares holding at times, as the war progresses full throttle.

The fourth fourth — which was meant to be the closing chapter — began again with both men throwing all they’ve got. The air is tense as both men want the victory.

Exchanges are fierce and Valladares bleeds incredibly from his right eyebrow.

The Mexican is bathed in blood. But the ringside doc gives him the chance to finish the round to go to the scorecards. And so it happened.

Yes, with red all over his face, the Mexican Valladares could not continue.

The first judge scored 39-37 for Valladares.

But the other two judges scored 38-38 to decree the technical majority draw in just four rounds of action. This fight had packed more action and intensity for fans than many 12 rounds snoozers.

Taduran and Valladares were exciting

Enough awesome and competitive was the game that fans and boxers might want a rematch.

Fans in Nuevo León, are already talking about Taduran-Valladares contender for Fight of the Year, and we are just beginning February.

With this result, Taduran is still IBF Minimumweight champion of the world, a great success for the smiling “Heneral Kid” born in Albay Province.

Taduran’s boxing record stands now at 14-2-1, with 11 knockouts, while Daniel “Cejitas” Valladares stays at 22 wins, just 1 defeat and 1 draw, with 13 knockouts, a pretty good record for both boxers.

Will Taduran-Valladares 2 ever happen?

That is up to the IBF and the management of the two teams. Valladares is handled by Mexico’s top promotion company Zanfer of Alejandro Beltran, while Taduran is assisted by much experienced Filipino man of boxing Art Monis of Hardstone Boxing.

For now, it is fair to say that watching the fight live was awesome; kudos to both young warriors who can now have a well-deserved rest.

Watch the fight video by yourself here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31oPfvu-wjo

The author Carlos Costa of Panama is a veteran boxing reporter living in the Philippines. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp 09184538152.