Pedro Taduran, the Philippines’ only reigning world titlist, defends his IBF minimumweight championship against unbeaten Spaniard Brandon Moreno at the Kiva Auditorium in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this morning Manila time. The Taduran vs Moreno bout is scheduled for 12 rounds, and it marks the fourth defense of Taduran’s second reign as champion.
Moreno, 33, is 16-0 with five knockouts since turning professional in 2019. Taduran, 30, made his professional debut in 2015 and brings a 20-4-1 record with 14 knockouts.
Taduran vs Moreno style contrast
Taduran is a heavy-handed southpaw; Moreno is an orthodox stylist. Their recent records point in different directions. Nine of Moreno’s last 10 fights went the full route, and this is his first scheduled 12-round bout. Taduran has been in 12 twelve-round fights, five of which went the distance.
Travel is another divide. Albuquerque is Taduran’s sixth overseas assignment. Moreno has never fought outside Spain.
What the title means for both fighters
Moreno is trying to become only the second Spaniard to win the 105-pound crown, after Jorge Mata in 2002. His older brother Angel challenged for the WBC flyweight title in 2019 and lost on points to Charlie Edwards.
Moreno said his movement and skill level will be difficult for Taduran to overcome. Taduran’s matchmaker, Sean Gibbons, said Moreno is treating the bout as a career opportunity and predicted a late stoppage.
Sean Gibbons predicts a stoppage
“Moreno’s a serious guy and this is his opportunity of a lifetime. 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.”
Analysis: where the rounds could turn
Analysis: Moreno’s run of distance fights suggests he can survive long nights, but surviving and winning are different problems against a southpaw with Taduran’s power. Taduran’s 12-round experience and repeated travel are the tested variables. Moreno’s first 12-rounder and his first fight outside Spain are the unknowns.
The original report on this bout was published by philstar.com.