Dethroned champ Taduran gracious in defeat, manager wants rematch

CEBU, Philippines —  Unlike some fighters who speak ill of their foes or find excuses in the face of downfall, Pedro Taduran (14-3-1, 11Kos) was man enough to accept his heart-breaking setback at the hands of fellow countryman Rene Mark Cuarto (19-2-2, 11KOs).

The Libon, Albay-native Taduran saw his IBF minimumweight belt being stripped from waist by Cuarto, who prevailed via a disputed unanimous decision in their 12-round encounter just three days ago at the Bula Gym in General Santos City.

In the very close bout that could have gone either way, all three judges in Alberto Dulalas, Rodel Densing and Sabas Ponpon Jr. submitted identical scores of 115-113 in favor of Cuarto.

But instead of wallowing in sorrow, Taduran displayed an admirable act of good sportsmanship.

“I’m man enough to accept judges’ verdict. Hindi lang ako makapaniwala na hindi ako nanalo kahit sa isang judge. Pasalamat parin ako sa Diyos at safe kami ni Cuarto,” Taduran was quoted as saying by RealFight PH on its Facebook page.

Taduran’s manager Art Monis said they graciously accepted defeat although he is not convinced about the decision, prompting him to send a letter to IBF president Daryl Peoples last Sunday requesting for a rematch.

“We are not convinced of the decision,” stated Monis in his letter to the IBF as reported by Joaquin Henson of The Philippine Star. “We accept defeat sportingly and admit the fact of losing. This fight is considered a huge controversy because even typical fans knew that Taduran won.” — EBV