By Ivan Saldajeno
PARAÑAQUE—Pedro Taduran said that he is now in the early stages of an upcoming defense of his IBF minimumweight title.
When reporters got a chance to chat with the current Philippine boxing star on Friday, the pride of Libon, Albay said that he is currently doing light training so he can be as close as possible to the needed match fitness when the schedule of his next bout is finalized.
"Light training pa naman ako para di rin mabagsak kung may schedule na. Maganda pa naman yung kundisyon ko," Taduran, who began working out again last month, said when he and Miel Fajardo welcomed the media to their ongoing practice session at the Elorde Sports Center.
Taduran was originally set to face number one contender Zhu Dianxing, but the Chinese star's team is still fixing major management issues, prompting the IBF to look for other opponents.
In comes a Spanish sensation, Brandon Romero.
The 33-year-old Madrid native boasts a perfect 16-0 record with five knockouts, making him a worthy replacement for Zhu.
Taduran confirmed that his management team agreed with that of Romero in terms of a November showdown.
What makes Taduran's upcoming title defense more special is that it will happen in the Philippines.
"Masaya po ako na nandito po yung laban ko sa Manila kasi yung mga nakakakilala sa akin at sumusuporta makakapanood sila dito sa laban ko," he further said.
"Pagsisikapan ko na manalo."
Taduran clarified, though, that his team has yet to secure a place for his title defense at home.
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