Pedro Taduran’s mandatory defense of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight crown against Zhu Dianxing is off.

The DAILY TRIBUNE learned on Thursday that Zhu’s team is currently embroiled in a management mess involving his handlers and promoters, leaving the United States-based IBF with no other option but to look elsewhere for the next leading contender.

Taduran is due to make a defense no later than 31 October and his team is currently working to stage it.

American Sean Gibbons is giving Taduran’s managers — sibling Cucuy and Mary Elorde — up-to-the-minute developments on the plan to hold the fight locally.

Looking at the IBF’s 105-pound rankings, the next highest contender is Ryusei Matsumoto of Japan but there are reports that he might not be available owing to a previous commitment.

Also on the list are Mexican Aaron dela Cruz Escobedo and another Japanese, Takeshi Ishii.

Next in line are Filipinos Christian Balunan, Melvin Jerusale and Abne although it doesn’t look like one of them would be selected as the idea is to pit Taduran against a foreigner.

It could not be determined who will be picked to challenge Taduran as the IBF is working on it.

Zhu assumed the role of mandatory challenger last May when he beat Filipino Ian Abe in Cebu City.

To prepare for his fourth defense of the BF title, the southpaw Taduran has commenced training camp at the Elorde Sports Center in Parañaque.

Taduran smashed Mexican Gustavo Perez Alvarez in his last defense at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California, last April.

His first defense was a savage win over Japanese Ginjiro Shigeoka in Osaka in May 2025 followed by a decision win over Balunan five months later during the golden anniversary celebration of the Thrilla in Manila.