Taduran-Zhu IBF world title fight officially scrapped, says boxing promoter

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Plans for an International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight world title fight between reigning champion Pedro Taduran and mandatory challenger DianXing Zhu have officially fallen through, according to Cebuano boxing promoter Lorenzo “Chao” Sy.

In an interview during the “Fist of Fury 12” boxing event in Cebu over the weekend, Sy confirmed that negotiations for the bout had collapsed, ending what was expected to be one of the division’s most intriguing championship matchups.

Sy said Zhu’s promoter, manager, and trainer, Robin Wong, is currently facing legal issues in China, while Zhu has reportedly left Wong’s camp after the two failed to reach an agreement.

According to Sy, negotiations hit a major stumbling block when Wong allegedly demanded a $60,000 purse for Zhu, a figure he considered unreasonable for a mandatory challenger. Sy said the highest amount he was willing to offer was $35,000.

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“Wala na to, anugon kaayo to, gasto pa. Wala nako ato kay nilayas man to ang boxer nga si Zhu kay wala sila magkasinabot. Sayang kaayo. Akong giingnan ang manager ni Zhu, nga kung ako pa iyahang gipa-handle ato, dawaton to nako ang $35,000 nga Manila or Cebu nga world title fight,” said Sy.

(It is no longer happening. What a waste. On top of that, it was expensive. I did not insist because the boxer Zhu left due to the failure to come to an agreement. It was really a waste. I told his manager that if I had been asked to handle it, I would have accepted $35,000 for a world title fight in Manila or Cebu.)

Hometown decision concerns

Sy also revealed that Taduran’s manager, Cucuy Elorde, had no interest in staging the fight in China because of concerns over a possible hometown decision.

“Ang manager naay pagkahambugero man, ana siya nga okay moduwa mi ug Pilipinas pero $60,000 ang ilahang gusto nga purse. Dili ta makahatag ana kay dili man siya champion. Si Cucuy Elorde pud dili moduwa sa China kay hadlok sila ug hometown decision ug basin naay tikas,” Sy added.

(The manager was quite prideful. He said they were fine with playing in the Philippines on the condition of a $60,000 purse. We cannot give that because the player is no champion. Cucuy Elorde would not play in China either, for fear of a biased hometown decision.)

The bout had generated considerable interest as it would have matched two aggressive pressure fighters known for their relentless work rate and high punch output.

Taduran had even traveled to Cebu Coliseum last May to watch Zhu defeat Cebu-based Ian Abne of ARQ Boxing Stable in an IBF world title eliminator, with the winner earning the right to challenge for the championship.

With negotiations now officially abandoned, Taduran will have to wait for a new mandatory challenger or another title defense opportunity as he continues his reign as the Philippines’ lone reigning boxing world champion.

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