Defending champion Pedro Taduran faces an unheralded but dangerous challenger when he makes the second defense of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight crown Sunday night at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.

Christian Balunan, who holds a significant height advantage over the 5-foot-3 titleholder, is motivated by one thing that drives every fighter to strive for excellence.

“This is important because a win will help me give my family a good life,” Balunan said after the official weighin on Saturday at the Orchid Garden Suites.

Both fighters stepped in at 104.3 pounds.

“A win will pave the way to more success,” added the undefeated fighter from Consolacion, Cebu.

Armed with a 12-0-0 win-loss-draw card with seven knockouts, Balunan was the epitome of confidence during the weighin and presser, oftentimes being seen smiling and chatting.

Taduran, toting an 18-4-1 mark with 13 knockouts, was the exact opposite.

Soft-spoken and shy, the southpaw Taduran appeared stoic at times, answering questions from reporters without fanfare.

“We have come up with a gameplan aimed at negating Balunan’s height advantage. Coach Carl Penalosa and I are ready,” said the 28-year-old from Libon, Albay, who is the massive betting favorite.

Last May in Osaka, Taduran beat up Ginjiro Shigeoka so badly that the Japanese banger passed out after the fight after absorbing a bad beating from his relentless foe.

He now needs round-the-clock care at home owing to his condition despite being released from hospital, a development that sometimes makes Taduran feel sorry not just about himself.

But his killer instinct is expected to get re-ignited once again given that he will be up against an opponent who feels that it is just a matter of time before he gets crowned as the new IBF 105-pound king.

“I will win. 100 percent... I am not even intimidated. I take it as a challenge,” said Balunan, who will get instructions from two-time world title challenger Edito “Ala” VIllamor in the corner.

Balunan believes he has Taduran all figured out and his height will play a pivotal role in his bold bid to score an upset.

If the fight goes the distance or gets stopped and the three judges’ scorecards would be needed to determine the outcome, the scoresheets of Aquil Tamano, Gil Co and Oliver Garcia will have to be tallied.

Alfie Jocosol will be the third man on the ring in the show being put up by Sean Gibbons and Cucuy Elorde.

All the IBF-appointed officials are from the Philippines.

The event is free to the public.