5 Filipinos head chasers of Taduran’s world crown

It’s highly probable Pedro Taduran’s next defense of the International Boxing Federation minimumweight crown will be against a fellow Filipino.

This developed as compatriots Rene Cuarto, Melvin Jerusalem, Robert Paradero, Samuel Salva and Lito Dante emerged the highest rated challengers in the 105-pound division, the sport’s lightest.

Cuarto, 18-2 with 11 knockouts, is rated No. 3, which is actually the highest as the IBF did not put names for the No. 1 and No. 2 spots.

Jerusalem (15-2, 9 KOs) is ranked 4th although he’s rated No. 1 by the World Boxing Council and No. 5 by the World Boxing Organization.

The unbeaten Paradero (18-0, 12 KOs) is ranked 6th although he’s No.5 among the World Boxing Association title contenders. Salva (18-1, 11 KOs) is ranked 7th ahead of Dante (17-11, 9 KOs).

After spending several months in Libon Albay, where he planted rice, gathered firewood and made machete, Taduran is back in training at the Hardstone Monis Boxing Gym in Bangar, La Union.

Thus far, however, Taduran hasn’t receive any offer to dangle the belt he won over Salva and kept via a four-round technical draw with Daniel Valladares in Mexico last February 1.

Legendary Wanheng Menayothin, who holds a better 54-0 record than Floyd Mayweather, is the WBC champion with Jerusalem as top challenger.

Also in the running for a title duel with the Thai are Filipinos Marco John Rementizo (12-3, 9 KOs) at No. 6,  Toto Landero (11-4-2) at No. 10, and Dante at No. 15.

Thai Thammanoon Niyomtrong holds the WBA crown with Victorio Saludar (23-5, 12 KOs) ranked 4th and Paradero No. 6 among the listed challengers.

The WBO belt belongs to Puerto Rican Wilfredo Mendez with Saludar (No. 2), Jerusalem (No. 5), Cuarto (No. 6), Salva (No. 14) and Paradero (No. 15) among the contenders. – Rappler.com