By Shawn De Guzman

 

Pedro Taduran isn’t just defending his title — he’s looking to send a message. 

 

International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight champion is aiming at nothing but a convincing victory when he takes on Mexican Gustavo Perez Alvarez at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California on Saturday.

 

Fighting for the first time in the US, the hard-punching Taduran is looking to make a statement. 

 

“I am ready to prove to the world why I am the best minimumweight on the planet,” the IBF champion declared as he looks to fire warning against fellow champions Oscar Collazo, who holds both the World Boxing Association and World Boxing Organization crowns and compatriot Melvin Jerusalem, who owns the World Boxing Council strap. 

 

“I have worked extremely hard for this fight and I am going to put on a performance that makes everyone proud. Gustavo is a strong challenger, but when we step inside that ring tomorrow night in Temecula, the IBF belt stays right here with me.”

 

The hard-punching Filipino successfully made weight on Friday, April 3, tipping the scales 104.6 pounds – very much inside the 105lbs limit. 

 

Alvarez, likewise, weighed just right within the limit at 105.2 lbs. 

 

Taduran is boasting a 19-4-1 record with 13 knockouts but Alvarez isn’t too shabby either witha 16-1 card with 5KOs