Heavy-handed IBF strawweight titleholder Pedro Taduran will face countryman Robert Balunan at the San Andres Sports Complex, Manila, Philippines, on Oct. 26.

It marks the first time Taduran (18-4-1, 13 KOs) will have fought since edging past Ginjiro Shigeoka (SD 12) in May, only for the Japanese fighter to suffer a brain bleed. He remains in hospital, his recovery has been slow but steady.

Meanwhile, this represents a big step up for Balunan (12-0, 7 KOs), who is the IBF No. 3. However, the No. 1 and No. 2 positions are vacant.

In co-feature, popular Hong Kong fighter Rex Tso (23-0, 14 KOs), who returned after an 8-year hiatus last month, will face Sagar Chouhan (6-0-2, 2 KOs) over a scheduled 10 rounds for regional bantamweight title.

Elsewhere, heading up the Manny Pacquiao Promotions undercard Miel Fajardo (12-3-2, 11 KOs) will face Esneth Domingo (22-3, 14 KOs) in a 10-round flyweight contest for a regional title.

The event is scheduled to have as many as 13 fights in total.

Taduran, The Ring's No. 2-rated strawweight, turned professional at 18 and won 12 of his first 13 fights. He made an ambitious attempt at the vastly more experienced Wanheng Meenayothin (L UD 12) for the WBC title in Thailand in 2018.

After returning to winning ways, he got off the canvas to beat previously unbeaten compatriot Samuel Salva (RTD 4) to win the vacant IBF title. The heavy-handed 28-year-old drew with Daniel Valladares (TD 4), but he lost the title to Rene Mark Cuarto (UD 12/TD 7).

He upset Ginjiro Shigeoka (TKO 9) to regain the IBF title last July. In a rematch, Taduran edged past his rival by 12-round split decision.

Balunan has been a professional since December 2021. The 25-year-old from Cebu has fought exclusively at home where he has bolstered his record with wins over experienced duo Clyde Azarcon (KO 2) last March and, most recently, Robert Paradero (TD 5) last December.

Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at elraincoat@live.co.uk and you can follow him on X @AnsonWainwr1ght.