TADURAN AND MONIS AWAIT RETURN TO NORMAL

​By Rene Bonsubre,Jr

IBF world minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran (14-2-1,11KO’s) is one of the many Filipino boxers waiting for the sporting world to resume activities. With almost the entire planet coming to a virtual standstill due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, athletes are forced to find ways to stay active.

Taduran, who is based in the Hardstone Monis Boxing Gym in Valenzuela City,Metro Manila,is currently in Bicol. With majority of the Philippines’ Covid-19 cases in the National Capital Region, Taduran is in a region more than 400 kilometers from Manila.

“I am just jogging right now to stay in shape.”, Taduran told this writer in a short chat. “I have not received any messages about any offers for my next title defense.”

Last February, the 23 year old Taduran retained his title after a four round technical draw against Mexican challenger Daniel Valladares. This was the southpaw Taduran’s first defense and he did it on the road in Guadalupe,Mexico.    

His manager,Art Monis also had a brief chat online with this writer. He is in La Union,another province in the Philippines.

“I am fine. But this is a difficult time for the boxers. They don’t have income because there are no fights. It is hard for their day to day spending. Many boxers went home to their families in their provinces. Some are here in La Union. Taduran got stuck in Bicol,the lockdown was imposed. There was another offer in Mexico,possibly June but covid-19 stopped everything.”, Monis said.

Monis also mentioned his other note-worthy boxer,Michael Dasmariñas,who is with him in La Union. Dasmariñas is the current number one bantamwieght contender of the IBF but his shot at Naoya Inoue will have to wait pending Inoue's unification bout against John Riel Casimero.

Taduran won the vacant IBF title against countryman Samuel Salva last September. Salva knocked down Taduran in the first but non-stop pressure from Taduran made Salva wilt and decide not to answer the bell for the fifth round.

Taduran also has message for his countrymen enduring life in community quarantine: Stay safe.This will all pass. Once this will end, we will enjoy boxing again.

Photo-Pedro Taduran and Art Monis

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