May twenty-fourth at Intex Osaka. IBF world minimumweight title at stake, first defense of Taduran in his second reign. First action for both men since their encounter in July of last year, when Taduran relieved Shigeoka of both the belt and his zero via TKO9. Shigeoka was an -850 favorite and Taduran a +560 underdog then. 4" height and 3" reach advantage for the Filipino against his Japanese fellow southpaw.
This content is protected This content is protected The first four rounds of the previous encounter the fight was competitive. Shigeoka stood his ground and even hurt Taduran in the third. In the second round Shigeoka got hit with a headbutt which seemed to ruin his rhythm and allowed Taduran to get the better of things as the fight continued. Not saying Pedro got lucky, as he really put a bad beating on Shigeoka towards the end. Filipino fighters are hot and cold type fighters. Not always consistent. But in Taduran's case, he has always been a consummate professional and from the links above, he looks in great shape. I think he should be the slight favorite on Saturday. On a side note. Guys like Shigeoka, Taduran, Cuarto and Valladares have all had fights against each other. Not quite memorable as the ones at super flyweight, but still decent fights.
Taduran is a little man but spiritually he's a HW. Always loved watching him fight. Nearly 7 years after his hard fought defeat to the GOAT he himself is now a grizzled veteran of the sport.
