Taduran keeps IBF belt after technical draw vs Mexican

Photo taken from Sean Gibbons’ Instagram account

MANILA, Philippines—Pedro Taduran retained his IBF minimumweight world title after he settled for a technical draw against Mexican challenger Daniel Valladares Sunday (Manila time) at Jardin Cerveza Expo in Guadalupe, Mexico.

The fight was stopped at the end of four rounds after Valladares suffered a deep cut above his right eyebrow due to an accidental clash of heads in a scintillating first round that saw both fighters exchange substantial shots.

The judges had it 39-37 for Valladares and 38-38 twice.

It was Taduran’s first title defense after he took the vacant title following a fourth round stoppage of compatriot Samuel Salva last September.

Valladares (22-1-1, 11 KOs) came into his fight against the 23-year-old Taduran (14-2-1, 11 KOs) having won his last 11 fights.