Taduran dethrones IBF 105lb champ Shigeoka » July 28, 2024

By Joe Koizumi

Filipino hard-puncher Pedro Taduran (17-4-1, 13 KOs), 104.25, reclaimed the IBF 105-pound title by defeating defending champion Ginjiro Shigeoka (11-1-1NC, 9 KOs), 105, and stopping him at 2:50 of the ninth round on Sunday in Shiga, Japan.

The fight featured two southpaw punchers, with IBF#1 Taduran dominating from the beginning. Taduran managed to swell Shigeoka’s right eye and almost shut it as the match progressed. At 27 years old, Taduran was three years older than the champ and consistently landed overhand lefts, taking control of the fight. Although Ginjiro displayed his heart by fighting back, Pedro’s punches to the face and body were more effective and began to slow down the champ. In the eighth round, Taduran intensified his attack, visibly hurting Shigeoka, leading the referee to stop the fight to prevent further damage.

Prior to the stoppage, Taduran was ahead on points: Adam Height (Australia) 78-74, Jerome Lades (France) 77-75, Matteo Montella (Italy) 78-74, all favoring the Filipino challenger.

Shigeoka, badly injured, had to be carried out of the ring on a stretcher.

Taduran had previously won the vacant IBF title by defeating Samuel Salva in 2019 but lost it to Rene Mark Cuarto in 2021. The title later changed hands to Daniel Valladares and then to Ginjiro Shigeoka. Unfortunately, both Shigeoka brothers lost their world titles this year, with Yudai losing his WBC 105-pound belt to Filipino Melvin Jerusalem.

Promoter: Kameda Promotions.