Setting up the entire training camp on American soil is something that is on the pipeline for reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran.
This arrangement is on the cusp of becoming reality as Taduran and his American representative Sean Gibbons are waiting for the confirmation of a three-belt title showdown with Puerto Rican Oscar Collazo.
“The plan is to do that fight in March (2026) in Puerto Rico,” Gibbons told DAILY TRIBUNE from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where a mega event is happening this Saturday.
Collazo holds the World Boxing Association and World Boxing Organization 105-pound straps while also being regarded as The Ring magazine’s champion in the 105-pound category.
Gibbons knows dethroning the undefeated Collazo is not going to be an easy task but is not an impossible mission.
Taduran is a volume-puncher who has proven himself well against world-class opposition even on hostile ground.
“We’ll make sure Pedro’s going to be in the best shape possible by bringing him over the States way ahead of the fight,” Gibbons said.
By way ahead of time, Gibbons means having Taduran in Las Vegas by the first week of January.
Taduran is coming off a 12-round unanimous decision over compatriot Christian Balunan and is eager to return to active duty.
While no official announcement about the Collazo clash has been made by the Oscar de La Hoya-owned Golden Boy Promotions, Gibbons feels that’s likely happening in the next couple of weeks.
So he doesn’t get caught unprepared, Taduran is showing up at the gym, making sure he stays in shape.
Importing Taduran to the US as soon as possible is crucial to scoring a win that should rock the boxing world.
“There’d be no jet lag and this is the reason why it is difficult for a fighter from the Philippines to win most especially if he doesn’t have enough time to recover from the long flight and the huge time difference,” Gibbons said.
Highly supportive and deeply appreciative of Gibbons’ plans are Taduran’s co-managers, the Elorde siblings Marty and Cucuy.
“I just wish the fight gets confirmed so Pedro can leave and set up camp,” Cucuy said.