Pedro Taduran: Boxing Career and Notable Fights
Pedro Taduran is a Filipino minimumweight who won the vacant IBF world title in 2019, stopping Samuel Salva after four rounds. He made a title defense against Daniel Valladares in Mexico in February 2020.
The Taduran–Valladares fight ended in a technical draw after an accidental head clash left Valladares unable to continue in round four. Taduran retained the IBF belt under the technical-draw ruling.
Two reigns as IBF minimumweight champion
Taduran’s first championship victory came in Taguig City on September 7, 2019. Salva did not continue after the fourth round, allowing Taduran to claim the vacant belt. The later draw with Valladares kept the title in his possession without producing a winning challenger.
That first reign ended in February 2021 when fellow Filipino Rene Mark Cuarto defeated him by unanimous decision. Taduran also lost their subsequent rematch, leaving him to rebuild his position in the division before another opportunity to fight for the championship.
Regaining the title in Japan
On July 28, 2024, Taduran reclaimed the IBF minimumweight belt by stopping Japan’s Ginjiro Shigeoka in the ninth round. The bout took place at Shiga Daihatsu Arena in Otsu. The victory began a second reign more than three years after he had lost the same title to Cuarto.
Born in Libon, Albay, and listed as a southpaw, Taduran is also known as “Kid Pedro Heneral.” His championship record connects several stages of the division’s history: the vacant-title win over Salva, the technical draw with Valladares, the Cuarto defeats and the successful challenge against Shigeoka. Those results provide a fuller account of his career than the first title win alone.
Further career results
Taduran successfully defended his second IBF reign in a rematch with Shigeoka on May 24, 2025. The twelve-round contest in Osaka ended in a split decision for the Filipino champion, following his stoppage victory in their first meeting. The rematch retained the title for Taduran, although its aftermath was overshadowed by Shigeoka’s collapse and emergency surgery.
Sources
Additional sources: https://www.ringmagazine.com/news/yudai-shigeoka-provides-health-update-on-brother-ginjiro-4CBqhrT0Le4WWzp6JsjV6G
- PhilBoxing: Taduran regains the title in 2024
- BoxRec: Pedro Taduran professional record
- BoxRec: Samuel Salva title fight record
- PhilBoxing: Taduran retains title after technical draw
