MANILA, Philippines—A pair of rising Filipino fighters in Samuel Salva and Pedro Taduran look to reintroduce themselves before a hometown crowd with a world title at stake Saturday night at Jurado Hall of the Philippine Marine Corps Fort Bonifacio in Taguig.
The bout, under Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, is for the vacant IBF minimumweight belt and has historical implication.
It’s the first time in 94 years where a world title fight between two Filipinos will be staged in the country. The last time it happened was when the great Pancho Villa defended the flyweight crown against Clever Sencio at Wallace Field, now known at Luneta.
“We continue to break new ground here in the Philippines at MP Promotions for bringing another world title fight. Unprecedented, unheard of to bring two world title fights within a month span and this one is really, really historic,” said international matchmaker and MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons during the PSA Forum Tuesday.
And unlike the previous two all-Filipino world title fights that pitted Jerwin Ancajas against Jonas Sultan and Donnie Nietes against Aston Palicte held last year, Gibbons expects Salva and Taduran to figure in a highly-entertaining clash.
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“This is their first real fight here in the Philippines. I think you’re gonna have contrast in style and it’s gonna make a great fight,” Gibbons said. “I believe this is gonna break the mold. Styles make fights and these two guys come to fight.”
“Hundred percent (It’s going to be exciting). Their styles are much more suited than the last two Filipino world titles that we did. They’re 105 pounds and 105-pounders throw a lot of punches.”
The 22-year-old Salva is undefeated at 17-0 with 10 knockouts while Taduran, who fought for the WBC title and lost to unbeaten Thai Chayaphon Moonsri on points last year in Thailand, is 13-2 with also 10 KOs.
Gibbons added the show, which will be free of charge to the public, is also Pacquiao’s way of giving back to the troops.
“It’s basically a show we’re doing for the Philippine Marines and Navy. We’re doing it there because IBF super flyweight world champion Jerwin Ancajas is a member of the Philippine Navy and his coach Joven Jimenez was in the Navy many, many years,” Gibbons said.
“Basically, the senator (Pacquiao) loves his country, loves the military and it’s his way to give back to the military. This is a show dedicated to the Marines and the Navy.”
In the co-featured bout, Filipino Giemel Magramo (23-1, 19 KOs) faces Komgrich Nantapech (25-5, 16 KOs) of Thailand with the winner earning a shot at the IBF flyweight title.
“This fight has the chance to be the fight of the night,” Gibbons said.