March 28, 2024

The boy who seeks the worlds attention

The Taduran siblings From L to R: Jorge, Pedro, Jolivie and Joel
by Alfie Jocosol

Pedro Taduran the barrio boy who seeks the world’s attention. tommorow he will be facing the biggest challenge of his life.

He is set to face Chayaphon Moonsri the undefeated WBC (World Boxing Council) minimum world champion.

Pedro’s childhood was simple yet fun, born and raised in Libon, Albay.  He is 8th among 9 siblings and both of his parents are farmers.

He spends most of his childhood time helping his father doing his daily farming chores and was not that interested in the sports of boxing, not until his elder brother Jorge enter the amateur ranks.

He first tried the boxing at the age 9, and has accumulated 100+ amateur fights, he was always being under estimated by his opponent because of his small body built, but somehow he always find a way to win, his future seems brighter as he enters the national games “Palarong Pambansa” but his career took a dive when he lost at the bronze medal. He opted out to continue his studies but his life turned took another turn when he received a call from his brother Joel to try out the professional boxing, packing up, he went to manila there he met his handler Johnny Monis who got interested in him on his first sparring session.

Joel and Pedro Taduran during their practice session

His parents was against of the idea of him going pro but he insisted to follow his dream.

He first debuted as pro May 16, 2015 where he won a 1st round TKO against Nathaniel Marasigan and six fights later, he sufferd his 1st lost against Joel Lino via a spilt decision but that did not stopped him to go on.

2 years after turning pro he won the PBF (Philippine Boxing Federation) minimum championsip against Philip Cuerdo via technical knock out.

He was scheduled to face Melvin Jerusalem but due to accidental headbutt with sparing mate, Ivan Soriano. The fight was canceled, 8 months of inactivity, he then got an offer to fight Jerry Tomogdan for Philippine minimum champion, where he won via 5th round K.O

A chance to get a crack of world stage. A fight against Christian Araneta for the silver WBC ABC (World Boxing Council) (Asian Boxing Council) light flyweight but due to schedule changes and injuries the fight did not materialized

He was at lowest point of his career and it seems being inactive for almost 6th months was too much to bear for him, he practiced hard but getting a chance to showcase his talent at world stage was elusive.

Until few months later international match maker Art Monis was able to struck a deal with the undeafeted Thai champion Chayapon Moonsri to make his title defence against Pedro Taduran.

The stage is now set. Will he be able put a mark on Moonsri’s clean record? Or Will he be the next victim?

The author is also a professional boxing/referee judge

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