Pedro Taduran to Defend IBF Minimumweight Title in U.S. Debut Against Gustavo Perez
Filipino boxing sensation Pedro Taduran is set to make his highly anticipated debut in the United States as he defends his IBF minimumweight title against Mexican contender Gustavo Perez. The bout is scheduled for April 3, 2026, at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California, and is promoted by legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao, adding star power to the event.
Taduran's Journey to the Title and Defense Record
Pedro Taduran, 29, captured the IBF minimumweight title in 2024 with a stunning ninth-round stoppage of Ginjiro Shigeoka in Japan. Since then, he has successfully defended the belt twice, showcasing his resilience and skill. In 2025, he won a split decision in a rematch against Shigeoka, followed by a unanimous decision victory over rising prospect Christian Balunan later that year. Taduran has been training in the U.S. since last month to acclimate and prepare for this pivotal fight, aiming to solidify his status as a global boxing force.
Gustavo Perez: A Formidable Challenger Moving Down in Weight
Gustavo Perez, 27, poses a significant threat as he moves down from light-flyweight to minimumweight for this title opportunity. Perez holds impressive rankings across major boxing organizations, including No. 7 by the WBO, No. 8 by the WBA, and No. 12 by the WBC. His recent performances include a unanimous decision win over Jesus Haro at minimumweight in 2024 and a split technical decision victory against Kevin Vivas in Nicaragua. With a record of 16 wins and 1 loss, including 5 knockouts, Perez brings speed and power to the ring, making this matchup a must-watch for boxing enthusiasts.
Fight Statistics and Expectations
Pedro Taduran enters the ring with a professional record of 19 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, boasting 13 knockouts that highlight his punching power. In contrast, Gustavo Perez's record stands at 16 wins and 1 loss, with 5 knockouts, emphasizing his technical prowess and consistency. This clash of styles promises an explosive encounter, with Taduran looking to leverage his experience and Perez aiming to capitalize on his lower weight class advantage. The fight not only marks Taduran's U.S. debut but also represents a critical moment in both fighters' careers, potentially shaping the future of the minimumweight division.
