By Carlos Costa

MANILA, Philippines    —    Filipinos Samuel “The Silent Assassin” Salva and Pedro Taduran successfully made weight ahead of their battle for the IBF Minimumweight World Title tomorrow Saturday, September 7, at the Gym of the Philippines Navy Base in Metro Manila, Philippines.

The 22-year-old Salva (17-0, 10 KO’s) and his tough opponent hard-swinging Taduran (13-2, 10 KO’s), also 22, both weighed-in at the limit of the division 105 pounds for their hot an fast Manny Pacquiao Promotion show set to be aired on channel ABS CBN S+A in the Philippines and on Box Nation in the UK.

In the co-feature for the ABF (Asian Boxing Federation) Light Flyweight Strap, undefeated John Michael Zulueta (10-0-2, 3 KO’s) made 107 pounds, but opponent Mark Anthony Florida (12-8, 9 KO’s) came in five pounds heavier.    The fight is still a go, but the ABF belt is only in play for Zulueta.  

MORE WEIGH IN RESULTS

Also, world-rated IBF # 8 Flyweight Ronnie Baldonado (15-1-1, 9 KO’s) of Carmen in Cotabato del Norte and Manileño southpaw Enrique Magsalin (6-2-2, 1 KO) came in on target for their non-title eight-rounder melee.

In addition, IBF # 6 Minimumweight warrior Rene Mark Cuarto (17-2-1, 10 KO’s) of Zamboanga del Norte scaled in at 106 lbs., while his undefeated less-experienced foe 21-year-old Jayson Vayson (8-0, 4 KO’s) of Agusan del Sur moved the needle till to the 107 pounds mark.    Cuarto is also rated as WBO # 15 and he can not afford any mistakes. 

Also, Toto Landero (10-4-2, 2 KO’s) of Negros Occidental and 24 year-old Joel Lino (10-2-1, 3 KO’s) of Davao both made weight for their 108-pound non-title 8-rounder.    Both men come from back to back loses, badly needing a win tomorrow.   Who will emerge victorious?

This official weigh-in ceremony took place today Friday, September 6, at the Philippine Navy Officers Clubin Fort Bonifacio, inside Marines Camp.

Supervising the proceedings is IBF President Daryl Peoples together with IBF ratings committee chairman Anibal Miramontes, both from New Jersey, USA.

Also in attendance were Manny Pacquiao Promotions executives Sean Gibbons and Scott Patrick Farrell.

May the Best Men Win!

Photos by Carlos Costa

The author Carlos Costais a Panama boxing reporter based in the Philippines.   Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.comand whatsapp +639184538152.