CEBU CITY, Philippines- Rene Mark “Mighty Mouse” Cuarto clinched his first world title after dethroning the erstwhile International Boxing Federation (IBF) world minimumweight champion Pedro “Kid Pedro Heneral” Taduran Jr. in a match in General Santos City on Saturday, February 27, 2021.
The 24-year old Cuarto of Zamboanga Del Norte scored a unanimous decision victory over Taduran after 12 rounds.
All three judges Brembot Dulalas, Sabas Ponpon Jr., and Roel Densing had their scorecards, 115-113, all in favor of Cuarto, who improved his record to 19 victories, two defeats, and two draws with 11 knockouts.
The Albay native, Taduran (24), meanwhile, suffered his third defeat with 14 wins, one draw, and 11 knockouts.
Cuarto put on a masterful show that proved why he deserved the title. Cuarto’s excellent counter punches, footwork, and slithering defense gave Taduran trouble landing his punches despite being the fight’s aggressor.
Cuarto joined the ranks of current Filipino world boxing champions like Jerwin Ancajas (IBF world super flyweight), Johnriel Casimero (WBO world bantamweight), and Pedro Taduran (IBF world minimumweight).
The fight, held in a bubble setup, was put-up by MP Promotions of eight-division world champion Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.