Pedro Taduran vs. Christian Balunan, billed as Thrilla in Manila II Countdown is an upcoming professional early boxing event dedicated as the 50th Year Anniversary of the historic Thrilla in Manila between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. The event is headlined between mini-flyweight champion Pedro Taduran and undefeated challenger Christian Balunan for the IBFmini-flyweight championship of the world on October 26, 2025.[1]
On early September 2025, early hints and buildups were made between reigning IBFmini-flyweight champion Pedro Taduran and undefeated contender Christian Balunan, to serve as a prelude event for the Thrilla in Manila II, to be held on October 26, 2025, three days before the Thrilla in Manila II event, it was originally reported to be in a soon-to-be-announced Quezon City venue, where the Thrilla in Manila II will also be taking place.[2]
On September 15, 2025, Viva Promotions officially announced the event on their Facebook page, it will take place on 26 October 2025, like said, but will instead take place in San Andres Sports Complex, Malate, Manila City, opposing the originally speculated Quezon City, the event will also be presented by MP Promotions, Limitless, Knuckleheads Pro Boxing Fraternity, and Elorde's Ultimate Knockout Challenge (UKC). The undercard includes previously-returning Rex Tso and former OPBF champion Miel Fajardo in an IBF Pan Pacific-titled bouts separately, also on the undercards are Filipino prospects, notably AJ Paciones and Lienard Sarcon.[3][4][5][6][7]
Press Conference
Thrilla in Manila II-Countdown Press Conference at the Orchid Garden Suite Manila Hotel in 2025.
The final weigh-in and press conference was held on Saturday October 25, 2025, at the Orchid Garden Suites in Malate, Manila and it will be broadcast live on Elorde TV on a YouTube channel. Both IBFmini-flyweight titleholder Taduran and his undefeated opponent Balunan came in under the 105lbs limit for their all-Filipino world title fight. Taduran and Balunan both came in at 104.3lbs for their 12-round fight, which will take place at San Andres Sports Complex in Malate, Philippines. The fight is the second title defense for the 28-year-old Taduran, who is in his second title reign after defeating Ginjiro Shigeoka twice in Japan. In the co-featured bout, Hong Kong boxer Rex "The Wonder Kid" Tso, will face India's undefeated boxer Sagar Chouhan. Tso weighed in at 117.7lbs for the ten-round bout, while Sagar was 118.4lbs.[8]
“Sanay naman ako lumaban ng matangkad na 'tulad ni Balunan, maganda ang game plan namin ni coach Carl Peñalosa.” ("I am used to fight tall guys like Balunan, we have great gameplan together with my coach Carl Peñalosa.") Said Taduran, confident that fans will witness an impressive performance. On the other hand, Balunan stated, “Sigurado ako, 100 percent na mananalo ako.” (I am 100% sure, I will win.) Balunan said with conviction.[9]
Fight summary
In front of a crowd at San Andres Sport Complex, Pedro Taduran dominated Christian Balunan in their 12-round match, winning via unanimous decision to retain his IBF minimumweight title. The judges' scores were 118-110, 118-110, and 117-111, all in favor of Taduran. During the fight, Balunan suffered injuries and was visibly bloodied, especially after an accidental headbutt in the fourth round opened a cut on his face. Taduran's superior performance and ring generalship allowed him to dictate the pace and land significant blows, leading to his victory.
This win improved Taduran's record to 19-4-1, while Balunan suffered his first professional loss, dropping his record to 12-1.
CompuBox stats
Total
Taduran
Balunan
Thrown
953
404
Landed
160
73
Con.%
17%
18%
Aftermath
Pedrosa Taduran is now focused on a unification fight after successfully defending his International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimum weight title against fellow Filipino Christian Balunan via lopsided unanimous decision at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.
“I want a unification fight,” “I’m looking forward to facing Collazo,”. “I will prepare hard for that unification, it’s going to be difficult, but it will be a dream to unify the belts.” -Taduran stated
“Pedro’s performance is proof that he’s really longing for it,” Gibbons said. “He really wants it, and he deserves the unification.”[10]
Fight card
Match venue at San Andres Complex between Rex Tso and Sagar Chouchan in 2025.
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