Manny Pacquiao Promotions returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California on Friday, April 3, headlined by a 12-round IBF Minimumweight World Championship clash between reigning champion Pedro “Kid Pedro Heneral” Taduran (19-4-1, 13 KOs) and Mexico’s Gustavo “Smiley” Pérez Álvarez (16-1-0, 5 KOs).
Taduran, a two-time IBF minimumweight world champion, first won the title in 2019 and reclaimed it in 2024. Known for his rugged southpaw style and relentless pressure, the Filipino champion has established himself as one of the division’s most battle-tested figures at 105 pounds. Across the ring will be Pérez Álvarez, a fast-rising Mexican contender riding a seven-fight winning streak and bringing an aggressive style that has made him one of the more intriguing young names in the lower weight classes.
“This highly anticipated main event bout showcases a battle between the Philippines and Mexico, which produced some of the greatest rivalries Manny Pacquiao was involved in,” said MPP President Sean Gibbons. “You can always count on an all-out war when Filipino and Mexican fighters compete against each other.”
Pacquiao himself welcomed the return to Southern California: “Pechanga Resort Casino has been an incredible home for Manny Pacquiao Promotions, and we’re proud to continue building our presence there. Southern California has some of the most passionate boxing fans in the world, and we’re excited to bring another high-quality night of fights to Temecula on April 3.”
Also featured on the card is reigning WBC Silver Middleweight Champion Lázaro “El Rey” Lornzana (19-0, 13 KOs). The event will air in the United States on DirecTV.
Fight card:
▪️Pedro Taduran vs. Gustavo Pérez Álvarez, 12 rounds, for Taduran’s IBF minimumweight World title
▪️Lázaro Lornzana vs. TBA, TBA rounds, for Lornzana’s WBC Silver middleweight title
