Pedro Taduran Jr., the current International Boxing Federation (IBF) world mini flyweight champion, has expressed a keen interest in potentially facing World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Melvin Jerusalem, with the hopes of becoming the first Filipino undisputed boxing champion.

Taduran, 28, is scheduled for his first title defense against Ginjiro Shigeoka on May 24 in Osaka, Japan.

Taduran remarked that a matchup against Jerusalem was plausible, contingent on the outcomes of upcoming fights.

His statement came during a training session at the Elorde Sports Center in Parañaque City.

He said, "Posible pong magkalaban kami, kasi kung sinong manalo laban dun kay [Oscar] Collazo, posible po talaga may mag-undisputed champion samin." This indicates that the winner of the anticipated bout between Collazo and Jerusalem could pave the way for an undisputed championship bout.

Jerusalem currently holds the WBC belt, while Oscar Collazo recently unified the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) titles after defeating Knockout CP Freshmart via a seventh-round TKO.

Reports indicate that Jerusalem successfully defended his title in a recent fight against Yudai Shigeoka, a match that ended in a unanimous decision in his favor.

Following this, Jerusalem has expressed a desire to rematch Collazo, who had previously defeated him two years prior.

If Taduran can retain his IBF title against Shigeoka, the possibility of a historic bout between two Filipino champions could be realized.

Taduran noted, "Siguro po okay lang yun kasi may mga ibang lahi nga naglalaban, mga Hapon, Mexicano naglalaban din sila isa’t-isa, para naman yun sa karangalan ng bayan, all love pa rin."

Before pursuing this ambitious goal, Taduran will first defend his title against Shigeoka, who holds an 11-1-0 record.

The pair previously fought in July 2024, where Taduran emerged victorious by a ninth-round TKO.

Despite the previous encounter, Taduran emphasized that he has returned to peak physical condition and is ready to implement a strategic adjustment in his fighting style for their rematch.

His coach, Jonathan Peñalosa, commented on Taduran's preparation, stating, "Si Pedro ay Pedro pa rin, dinagdagan ko na lang para maging ready sya.

Importante din yung adjustments." Both coach and fighter acknowledge the need for a decisive outcome, aiming for a knockout rather than risking the bout going the full distance.

Taduran expressed his determination, saying, "Knockout talaga ang hanap natin ngayon...

kaya gagawin ko lahat ng makakaya ko para makuha 'yon."