Taduran locked, loaded

MANILA, Philippines — There was quiet confidence in IBF minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran as he gamely exchanged big punches with lightflyweight Carlo Diaz in a scrimmage at the Elorde Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque yesterday.

It was the conclusion of training totaling 120 rounds against fighters from varying weight categories in a span of three-months, which the Bicolano southpaw hopes would carry him to victory.

“I’m ready,” said Taduran, 28, who will defend his title against the same fighter he beat 10 months ago – Japanese Ginjiro Shigeoka – in a smashing ninth-round stoppage.

The rematch is on May 24 in Osaka, Japan.