Taduran savors PSA experience

Apart from the handsome trophy that he received from the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) a few days ago, Pedro Taduran also brought home moments that will forever remain in his memory bank.

As one of two recipients for professional boxing, Taduran had a blast after attending the once-a-year affair held this time at the Manila Hotel.

For winning the International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight crown in a stunning upset in Japan last July, Taduran was an obvious choice to get the coveted PSA award.

Unfortunately, the other recipient of the award — World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Melvin Jerusalem — was unable to attend owing to a scheduling mix-up.

But Jerusalem’s trophy would still be handed over to him. The guy deserves it for what he did in 2024.

Jerusalem, unlike Taduran, figured in two world title fights last year.

In March before a partisan crowd in Nagoya, Jerusalem defeated Yudai Shigeoka to win the WBC belt and in September, he had to repulse the challenge of the toprated and mandatory challenger Luis Castillo of Mexico.

Taduran just fought once but his ninth-round stoppage of Yudai’s erstwhile unbeaten brother Ginjiro in Otsu City, ranks as one of 2024’s most stunning. Even the IBF nominated it as one of last year’s biggest upsets.

With the media well-represented in the affair held at the Centennial Hall, Taduran got the chance to rub elbows with many of the event’s top draws, including Paris Olympics double gold medalist Carlos Yulo, who was right in front of Taduran in another table.

Taduran got interviewed not just by print and online guys but by television as well, making his attendance well worth it.

The following day, I reached out to him and asked how it was.

The soft-spoken native of Libon, Albay, said he “enjoyed every minute of the awards night” and that he will “train even harder” so he will be able to retain the title so he could make a return trip to the PSA next year.

Taduran was supposed to make the first defense of the title last November on Jeju Island in Korea against a Chinese banger but the fight fell through owing to sponsorship woes.

Though nothing is cast in stone just yet, Taduran is gearing up for a May defense in Japan.

“It’s going to be a rematch (with Ginjiro),” he said.

Though he was pushed to the limit by Ginjiro, Taduran doesn’t mind tangling with his former victim the second time around.

For sure, Taduran won’t be going into the fight not in tip-top shape.

One of his prime motivations would be the opportunity to be invited once again by the PSA when the sportswriting group holds its 2026 awards ceremonies.

“I would love to attend again next year,” he said.

To do just that, Taduran has to keep on winning.

The good thing is, Taduran knows exactly what would entail to pull it off.