AFTER a very long time, an all-Filipino world boxing title fight happens on Philippine soil as Samuel Salva and Pedro Taduran dispute the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight crown on Saturday.
Happening at the Jurado Hall inside the Philippine Marine Corps headquarters at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, the clash marks the first time that Filipino fighters get it going for a world title here following that between Pancho Villa and Clever Sencio almost a century ago, something that has so much significance, organizers said.
“The last time was when Pancho Villa defended the world flyweight title against Clever Sencio in 1925. This is an exciting time for Filipino boxers,” said Sean Gibbons, international matchmaker and president of Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, during his return session for the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.
MP Promotions is the organizer of the title fight, its second in less than a month following the successful staging of the world title clash between Filipino John Riel Casimero and Mexican Cesar Ramirez for the interim World Boxing Organization bantamweight title on Aug. 24.
Mr. Gibbons said the Salva-Taduran fight is a continuation of their group’s push to look after the welfare of Filipino boxers.
Mr. Salva is undefeated in 17 fights and is out to stay unblemished. He last fought in March this year, beating compatriot Rene Mark Cuarto by unanimous decision.
His opponent Taduran, meanwhile, sports a record of 13-2, with 10 wins by way of knockout. He bounced back from a loss in his last fight in December 2018, defeating Jeffrey Galero by knockout.
The Salva-Taduran fight is free to the public.
The PSA Forum is presented by San Miguel, Braska Restaurant, Amelie Hotel, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
