Taduran secures IBF title shot

Former world champion Pedro Taduran secured the No. 1 ranking and a shot at the International Boxing Federation minimumweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision win over compatriot Jake Amparo late Thursday night in Tagbilaran, Bohol.

The victory assured Taduran, a native of Albay, a crack at Ginjiro Shigeoka's 105-lb belt in 2024 as his showdown with Amparo was a title eliminator.

Though he had to go the full 12 rounds to bag the win, Taduran was dominant from start to finish that earned him scores of 116-112, 119-110 and 118-110. All of the judges came from overseas.

Banking on effective aggression, Taduran landed downstairs as well as in the head using a wide variety of punches.

Amparo stood his ground and traded power blows with the more experienced Taduran but was simply outgunned.

The victory raised Taduran's record to 16-4-1 with 12 knockouts while the loss dropped Amparo's mark to 14-5-1 with three knockouts.

Shigeoka is a formidable foe with a 10-0 slate with eight knockouts.

In fact, two fighters who gave Taduran problems — Daniel Valladares of Mexico and Filipino Rene Mark Cuarto — did not go the distance with Shigeoka.

But styles make fights and Taduran, known for his durability, endurance and bravery, is someone not to be counted out.