IBF minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran wants nothing less than a unification fight, even if that means figuring in an all-Filipino scrap with Melvin Jerusalem.
Taduran said he’s willing to face WBC titleholder Jerusalem if the plan to fight Puerto Rico’s two-belt champion Oscar Collazo doesn’t push through. ‘Now I’m looking forward to Oscar Collazo. I hope a deal gets done for us to fight,’ Taduran told reporters in Filipino.
‘If not, I’ll fight Jerusalem if that’s possible. I’m okay with that. I’ll fight him anywhere, anytime. I’m ready to fight anyone in a unification.’
There has never been a time when two Filipinos faced each other in a unification fight.
Taduran (19-4-1, 13KOs) set his sights on unifying the 105-pound belts after beating compatriot Christian Balunan on points to retain his crown Monday night before a raucous crowd at San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.
‘Next, we call Eric Gomez of Golden Boy and tell him Pedro’s ready. What are we waiting for?’ MP Promotions chief Sean Gibbons said, referring to Golden Boy Promotions president Eric Gomez, who handles Collazo.
‘They called before about the fight, so unification. Pedro deserves it. It’s gonna be a hell of a fight. Any fight with Pedro is a hell of a fight,’ he added.
A potential showdown with the unbeaten Collazo, who holds the WBA and WBO titles, is being eyed early next year.
‘Hopefully, beginning of the new year. January or February,’ Gibbons said.