Gibbons to Taduran: Stay in shape

Reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) mini-flyweight champion Pedro Taduran arrived in Manila on Wednesday carrying strict orders from American promoter Sean Gibbons.

“He told me not to take a long break from training,” Taduran told DAILY TRIBUNE on Thursday, less than a day after landing at Manila airport from Los Angeles and around 72 hours after beating Spanish mandatory challenger Brandon Moreno to keep his IBF 105-pound belt in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Taduran, who just turned 30 two weeks ago, swears that even without instructions from Gibbons, he would not allow himself to remain inactive for a long time.

“Sir Sean told me that I will be back in the ring in February (2027),” said the Bicol-born southpaw.

“February isn’t too far away if you think about it,” he said.

His 2027 debut will mark the second time that Taduran will fight under the Salita Promotions after he had signed a five-fight promotional deal with the Brooklyn-based outfit just before the Moreno match held at the Kiva Auditorium.

If things go on as planned, Taduran will have four fights next year in the United States, starting with the planned February fight.

“I just hope that one of those fights would lead to me becoming a unified champion or even better, an undisputed champion in the division,” Taduran said.

In the meantime, Taduran will have the luxury of spending more time with his family composed of his wife Joy, a teacher, and three-year-old son Gaven, in their home in Cabuyao, Laguna.

“First thing next month, I will be in the gym again training,” he said.

And is he taking a short break during the holidays?

“No, definitely,” he said.

“As I have said, February is really that far away. I have to make sacrifices again. This isn’t just for me but for my family as well.”

“Besides, I can’t afford to take short cuts because every fighter I face only wants one thing: take the title away from me.”