Cuarto Successfully Defends his IBF Title, but is a Taduran Trilogy in Order?
In his first bout of 2022, IBF minimumweight champion Rene Mark “Mighty Mouse” Cuarto (20-2-2, 11 KO’s) made the first successful defense of his title. He accomplished this by way of majority decision in a fight significantly truncated by cuts resulting from accidental headbutts. The bout was a rematch with Pedro “Kid Pedro General” Taduran (14-4-1, 11 KO’s), who Mighty Mouse initially beat to gain the strap on February 27, 2021. While there is no doubt that he is happy to have won the fight, Cuarto was somewhat lucky to do so.
To begin, during the course of the dustup, it appeared to be Taduran who was more in control of the action and frequently had Mighty Mouse back-peddling in retreat. Cuarto was even deducted two points for accidental headbutts in the third. At the same time, the champ would ultimately benefit greatly from two botched knockdowns by referee Danrex Tapdasan. In both the second and sixth rounds, Taduran had his head cuffed and was pulled to the ground.
Despite a legit punch landing in either scenario, both instances were ruled knockdowns. This alone cost the former champion the fight, given the final scores of (65-64) Cuarto, (66-64) Cuarto and (65-65) even. Minus the two blundered calls, Taduran would have claimed a victory, revenge and regained his titles. In the end though, as they say, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. With that being the case, Cuarto will move on as the IBF minimumweight champion.
SO WHAT’S NEXT?
Mighty Mouse is now on a three-fight win streak since his September 7, 2019 draw with Jayson Vayson. Naturally, his first instinct would be to try to unify with his three fellow champions Masataka Taniguchi (WBA), Thammanoon Niyomtrong (WBA Super) and Panya Pradabsri (WBC).
Niyomtrong and Taniguichi fought in November and December, respectively, while Pradabsri has an upcoming dance date with Chayaphon Moonsri on March 29. So, while Niyomtrong and Pradabsri might be looking for dance partners soon, Pradabsri is likely off the table for the foreseeable future.
ONE FOR THE ROAD?
Or, is it worth knocking around the idea of a trilogy with Taduran? As previously stated, this was far from a dominant performance. Even worse, the fight was not allowed to come to an organic conclusion. Rather than getting a true stoppage or completing all twelve rounds, the dustup was brought to a close due to cuts. This was a major buzzkill to the fighters and fans alike. Given the title on the line, a fun rivalry and the sour way this ended, maybe a trilogy is in order. Maybe not.
One thing is for sure, Taduran is going to have to heal up. So, even if all parties involved wanted to run it back for a third time, Kid Pedro may not be available himself. This variable makes it hard to make any immediate solid plans for Taduran. Therefore, as it always is in the end, we’ll just have to wait and see what’s next for the IBF minimumweight champion. Luckily 3Kings Boxing will be there to report the news!
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By: Bakari Simpson
