Pedro Taduran Narrowly Defends Title From Ginjiro Shigeoka
Reigning IBF minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran (18-4-1, 13 KOs) reinforced his superiority over former IBF belt-holder Ginjiro Shigeoka (11-2, 9 KOs) with a split decision win (115-113, 113-115, 118-110) in their rematch at the INTEX Exhibition Center in Osaka, Japan. The victory could open the door for a battle with unified 105-pound champion Oscar Collazo.
The first battle between Taduran and Shigeoka was a complete war. Taduran won by ninth-round stoppage in July 2024. It was much more of a tactical battle this time around. Shigeoka elected to use his speed and movement to box from a distance in the early rounds.
In the middle rounds, the defending champion cranked up the pace. Taduran increased his aggression and found success with body punches and right hands to the head. Shigeoka proved resilient, landing his fair share of hard punches, and battled to the final bell.
The victory was marred by concerns over the physical state of Shigeoka who collapsed in his corner after the decision was announced. He was thereafter loaded onto a stretcher and carried out of the ring. 3Kings Boxing will monitor the situations and provide further updates when they become available.
As for Taduran, things are lining up for an eventual showdown with Collazo. Leading up to the rematch with Shigeoka, the Filipino said he wants to face the unified champion. Collazo has aspirations of becoming undisputed at 105. Do not be surprised if negotiations begin between both champions in the next few months.
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