Results From Pechanga: Taurean & Pacquiao Win

IBF Minimumweight World Championship on the line, Pedro Taduran (20-4-1, 14 KOs) impressively closed the show against Ensenada, Mexico’s Gustavo Pérez Álvarez (16-2, 5 KOs). Hailing from the Philippines, Taduran defended his world title against the always-tough Pérez. Entering the bout on the strength of five straight victories, three of which were title defenses, Taduran quickly made his presence felt inside the ring. Scoring four total knockdowns, Taduran left the audience on their feet after a devastating seventh round knockout victory.

“I’m honored to have my first fight in the United States be a successful title defense,” said Pedro Taduran. “Pérez presented a new challenge, but it was a challenge I was able to quickly figure out. This was my fourth title defense, and I’ll speak with Sean Gibbons and be ready to face whoever is next in line.” 

In his highly anticipated second professional outing, Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. (1-0-1, 1 KO) dominantly inserted himself in the win column against Blackfoot, Idaho native Darrick Gates (0-2). Although resulting in a draw, Pacquiao Jr.’s monumental professional debut demonstrated immense promise in his ability. Against Gates, Pacquiao Jr. put everything together to out-pressure his opponent, mirroring his father’s iconic fan-friendly fighting style. After registering two knockdowns in the second round, Pacquiao Jr. scored his first professional victory and knockout.

“It’s a weight lifted off my shoulders,” said Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. “I learned so much in my first fight that I was able to implement into my training camp and tonight. I have the best team in the world around me at Wild Card Boxing Club, and tonight’s result is a testament to that. The experience I’m getting is invaluable and I look forward to getting back to work.”

In the middleweight division, reigning WBC Silver Middleweight Champion Lazaro Lorenzana (20-13 KOs) scored a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Venezuela’s knockout artist Esneiker Correa (16-7, 14 KOs). On the heels of a statement victory over grizzled veteran Luis Arias, Lorenzana faced another stiff challenge in Correa. While scoring a knockdown in round two, Lorenzana showcased discipline throughout Correa’s overwhelming offense, continuing to cement his status as a young prospect ready for world championships.

“I’m very proud of my performance tonight and I believe I proved I should be next in line for world title opportunities,” said Lorenzana. “Correa was a tough opponent who absorbed some of my best shots throughout 10 rounds. In my last fight, I defeated a mainstay in the middleweight division in Luis Arias, and I just took down a tough competitor tonight. I’m going to reconvene with my team to see what’s next, but I plan on returning to the ring soon.”

Meanwhile, a pair of undefeated prospects in Atascadero, Calif. native Joseph Subia (4-0, 3 KOs) and Maywood, Calif.’s Francisco Casillas (3-1-2, 2 KOs) squared off in a featherweight tilt. In a competitive outing with one scorecard calling the bout a draw, Subia was the budding fighter to walk out with his perfect record intact via majority decision following a tactical yet aggressive performance. 

In a lightweight affair kicking off the live broadcast on ESPN Knockout, heavy-handed contenders Paolo Barredo (5-0, 2 KOs) and Roberto Monreal (13-27, 5 KOs) delivered a slugfest to the raucous Southern California crowd. With both competitors throwing haymakers with bad intentions throughout the six-round-contest, Philippines’ Barredo protected his spotless record via unanimous decision after outlanding Chicago’s Monreal through punishing counter punches.

Making the short drive south to Pechanga Resort Casino, Menifee, Calif.’s professional debutant Antonio Villegas (1-0) rushed Wahiawa, Hawaii native Alexander Nakamura (0-2) at the first bell, forcing two knockdowns before securing a knockout victory under a minute in the first round. Opening the talent-stacked fight card, hometown favorite Malikah Salazar (1-0) saw his hand raised in victory in his professional debut following a back-and-forth battle against Las Vegas’ Stephen Barbee (1-7).