TEMECULA, California—Pedro Taduran took a deep breath, slowly stepped on the scales and finally flashed a wide grin as he flexed his muscles to signal that he had cleared a major hurdle towards his bid to retain the International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight crown.
The Filipino champion registered 104.6 pounds on the official scale during Thursday’s official weighin. Moments earlier, Mexican Gustavo Perez Alvarez did the same thing, coming in at 104.2 pounds.
They are now cleared to fight Friday at the Pechanga Resort Casino with Taduran billed as the heavy favorite in his third defense of the IBF 105-pound title.
A couple of hours before, Taduran tipped on the scales and was about 200 grams over.
Though he was over the limit, Taduran still knew he wouldn't be having problems because he was still wearing his underwear and socks when he tried on the scales and hadn’t relieved himself.
So, when it was finally time, Taduran easily conquered the scales to signify that he meant serious business.
Following the pre-fight ritual, his team brought him to Island Pacific, a Filipino supermarket that also functions as an eatery where Taduran, chief handler Marty Elorde, lead trainer Carl Penalosa Jr and the rest had lunch.
The Bicol-bred southpaw had a steaming serving of chicken tinola and rice although he had eaten three boiled eggs after the weighin.
Late in the day, Taduran had rice and grilled tilapia.
Asked about his opponent, Taduran remained stoic.
“Tell him to watch out for me,” he answered when asked about his message to Alvarez, who also displayed a chiseled body like him.
It is understandable why Taduran remains tight and square these days.
His future is on the line.
Sean Gibbons, the American dealmaker who is staging Friday’s show using Manny Pacquiao Promotions as platform, is lining him up for a megabuck matchup with the division’s top dog.
But if he can’t handle Alvarez, it would be utterly useless to pit him with the hard-hitting and skillful Puerto Rican Oscar Collazo.
“The Mexican is not a big puncher as he is more of a boxer-mover with very good skills but Pedro’s eventually going to outwork him,” Gibbons said, fully aware of the champion’s terrific work rate and vast experience.
Tapped to restore order and look after the fighters’ well-being is Thomas Taylor, who is fast becoming boxing's No. 1 referee.
The judges are Zachary Young, Pat Russell and Rudy Barragan, all seasoned officials.
“This is a world championship fight so we assign the best officials,” said a California State Athletic Commission officer. “We can’t afford to assign just anybody.”
Taduran enters the ring with a 19-4-1 win-loss-draw record with 13 knockouts while Alvarez sports a 16-1-0 card with five knockouts.
Last year, Taduran beat Ginjiro Shigeoka in Osaka and compatriot Christian Balunan in Manila.
What makes Friday’s big event is the presence of eight-division legend Manny Pacquiao, who will be rooting not just for Taduran but for his son Jimuel.
The young Pacquiao battles Darrick Gaites, a former bare knuckle fighter in a four-round lightweight contest in the undercard.
It will be Pacman Jr.’s second pro outing after a draw in his debut late last year.
“I love the challenge, man. I am ready, more than ready,” said Jimuel.
“I am happy that they’ll be there and I appreciate all the love and support,” said Jimuel, who was over the moon when his wife Caolina and four-months old daughter Clara arrived from Los Angeles later in the day.