TEMECULA, CALIF. – Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MPP)returned to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif., in spectacular fashion with a championship night of boxing featuring both established and rising stars.

With the IBF Minimumweight World Championship on the line, Pedro Taduran (20-4-1, 14 KOs) impressively closed the show against Ensenada, Mexico’s Gustavo Pérez Álvarez (16-2, 5 KOs). Hailing from the Philippines, Taduran defended his world title against the always-tough Pérez. Entering the bout on the strength of five straight victories, three of which were title defenses, Taduran quickly made his presence felt inside the ring. Scoring four total knockdowns, Taduran left the audience on their feet after a devastating seventh round knockout victory.

“I’m honored to have my first fight in the United States be a successful title defense,” said Pedro Taduran. “Pérez presented a new challenge, but it was a challenge I was able to quickly figure out. This was my fourth title defense, and I’ll speak with Sean Gibbons and be ready to face whoever is next in line.” 

In his highly anticipated second professional outing, Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. (1-0-1, 1 KO) dominantly inserted himself in the win column against Blackfoot, Idaho native Darrick Gates (0-2). Although resulting in a draw, Pacquiao Jr.’s monumental professional debut demonstrated immense promise in his ability. Against Gates, Pacquiao Jr. put everything together to out-pressure his opponent, mirroring his father’s iconic fan-friendly fighting style. After registering two knockdowns in the second round, Pacquiao Jr. scored his first professional victory and knockout.

“It’s a weight lifted off my shoulders,” said Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. “I learned so much in my first fight that I was able to implement into my training camp and tonight. I have the best team in the world around me at Wild Card Boxing Club, and tonight’s result is a testament to that. The experience I’m getting is invaluable and I look forward to getting back to work.”

In the middleweight division, reigning WBC Silver Middleweight Champion Lazaro Lorenzana (20-13 KOs) scored a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Venezuela’s knockout artist Esneiker Correa (16-7, 14 KOs). On the heels of a statement victory over grizzled veteran Luis Arias, Lorenzana faced another stiff challenge in Correa. While scoring a knockdown in round two, Lorenzana showcased discipline throughout Correa’s overwhelming offense, continuing to cement his status as a young prospect ready for world championships.

“I’m very proud of my performance tonight and I believe I proved I should be next in line for world title opportunities,” said Lorenzana. “Correa was a tough opponent who absorbed some of my best shots throughout 10 rounds. In my last fight, I defeated a mainstay in the middleweight division in Luis Arias, and I just took down a tough competitor tonight. I’m going to reconvene with my team to see what’s next, but I plan on returning to the ring soon.”

Meanwhile, a pair of undefeated prospects in Atascadero, Calif. native Joseph Subia (4-0, 3 KOs) and Maywood, Calif.’s Francisco Casillas (3-1-2, 2 KOs) squared off in a featherweight tilt. In a competitive outing with one scorecard calling the bout a draw, Subia was the budding fighter to walk out with his perfect record intact via majority decision following a tactical yet aggressive performance. 

In a lightweight affair kicking off the live broadcast on ESPN Knockout, heavy-handed contenders Paolo Barredo (5-0, 2 KOs) and Roberto Monreal (13-27, 5 KOs) delivered a slugfest to the raucous Southern California crowd. With both competitors throwing haymakers with bad intentions throughout the six-round-contest, Philippines’ Barredo protected his spotless record via unanimous decision after outlanding Chicago’s Monreal through punishing counter punches.

Making the short drive south to Pechanga Resort Casino, Menifee, Calif.’s professional debutant Antonio Villegas (1-0) rushed Wahiawa, Hawaii native Alexander Nakamura (0-2) at the first bell, forcing two knockdowns before securing a knockout victory under a minute in the first round. Opening the talent-stacked fight card, hometown favorite Malikah Salazar (1-0) saw his hand raised in victory in his professional debut following a back-and-forth battle against Las Vegas’ Stephen Barbee (1-7).

Manny Pacquiao Promotions: Taduran vs. Perez marks the promotion’s third straight sold-out show, proving to be a leading force in the sport offering world championship boxing and a platform for prospects to compete. For future event announcements and more information, visit PacquiaoPromotions.com and follow Manny Pacquiao Promotions on social media.

See below for the official results and scores:

MAIN EVENT:

IBF MINIMUMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MAIN EVENT – 12 ROUNDS

Pedro Taduran (20-4-1, 14 KOs) defeated Gustavo Pérez Álvarez (16-2, 5 KOs) via seventh round knockout (1:34)

CO-MAIN EVENT: 

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT – 4 ROUNDS

Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. (1-0-1, 1 KO) defeated Darrick Gates (0-2) via second round knockout (1:34)

MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT – 10 ROUNDS

Lazaro Lorenzana (20-0, 13 KOs) defeated Esneiker Correa (16-7, 14 KOs) via unanimous decision

Scorecards: 98-91, 96-93, 95-94

FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT – 4 ROUNDS

Joseph Subia (4-0, 3 KOs) defeated Francisco Casillas (3-1-2, 2 KOs) via majority decision

Scorecards: 40-36, 39-37, 38-38 

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT – 6 ROUNDS

Paolo Barredo (5-0, 2 KOs) defeated Roberto Monreal (13-27, 5 KOs) via unanimous decision

Scorecards: 60-54, 60-54, 59-55

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT – 4 ROUNDS

Antonio Villegas (1-0) defeated Alexander Nakamura (0-2) via first round knockout (0:53)

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT – 4 ROUNDS

Malikah Salazar (1-0) defeated Stephen Barbee (1-7) via unanimous decision

Scorecards: 40-36, 39-37, 39-37

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About Manny Pacquiao Promotions 

Manny Pacquiao Promotions is a global boxing promotions company founded by eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. The mission of the company is to develop athletes, produce world-class events, and expand the global reach of boxing. Beyond building elite talent, the organization is committed to creating exciting content, delivering innovative and memorable events, and giving back to the sport by providing fans with the matchups, experiences, and energy they want to see. At its core, the company aims to elevate the sport with fresh creativity, authentic storytelling, and an unwavering dedication to bringing fun and excitement back to boxing on a global stage. 

TEMECULA, CALIF. – Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MPP) has announced additional matchups for the action-packed Manny Pacquiao Promotions: Taduran vs. Perez event, taking place this Friday, April 3 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. ESPN Knockout will air the hostilities, beginning at 6 p.m. PT.

MPP’s third U.S. event is headlined by a 12-round IBF Minimumweight World Championship fight between reigning champion Pedro Taduran (19-4-1, 13 KOs) and Gustavo Perez Álvarez (16-1-0, 5 KOs). Taduran vs. Perez showcases the storied rivalry between Filipino and Mexican fighters, a matchup that has long delivered unforgettable battles and helped define Manny Pacquiao’s career with countless instant classics. 

Returning to Pechanga Resort Casino following a sold-out U.S. debut event last year, MPP presents a talent-stacked fight card for Southern California once again. Tickets for the April 3 event are on sale now at Pechanga.com/entertain. VIP and Platinum Experience packages are available now at PacquiaoPromotions.com.

Carrying one of boxing’s most iconic names, Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. (0-0-1) returns for his second professional outing at Manny Pacquiao Promotions: Taduran vs. Perez. Making his debut under widespread attention last November at MPP’s U.S. launch, Pacquiao Jr. rose to the occasion, leaving a sold-out Southern California crowd on its feet after a spirited, back-and-forth battle with Brendan Lally. Although the bout was ruled a draw, Pacquiao Jr. displayed impressive grit, composure, and relentless pressure—traits long associated with his father, Manny Pacquiao. At just 25 years old, he now takes the next step in his professional journey, embracing both the opportunity and the responsibility of ushering in the Pacquiao legacy into a new generation. Also preparing for his professional sophomore appearance, Darrick Gates (0-1) will meet Pacquiao Jr. on Friday, April 3. Fighting out of Idaho Falls, Idaho, the 36-year-old Gates turned professional in 2024 and looks to earn his first win in his career against the young star.

In a highly anticipated middleweight feature bout, rising Mexican American star and the reigning WBC Silver Middleweight Champion Lazaro Lorenzana (19-0, 13 KOs), squares off against Esneiker Correa (16-6-3, 6 KOs) in a middleweight tilt. Boasting an undefeated record and championship-caliber skill, Lorenzana, 26, is on the heels of a statement victory over middleweight mainstay Luis Arias at Manny Pacquiao Promotions: Lorenzana vs. Arias. Although born and raised in San Diego, Lorenzana travels between the U.S. and Mexico to prepare for his fights. The undefeated prospect’s last two outings have been for the WBC Silver Middleweight Championship and WBC Regional Championship, proving that he is well on his way to world title opportunities. Before his dominant professional career, Lorenzana built an impressive amateur resume, including a silver medal in the Jr. Olympics representing Mexico. Lorenzana is now poised for his second professional fight stateside near his hometown against Venezuela’s Correa. 

Fighting out of Miami, the 27-year-old Correa enters his co-main feature with intentions of stealing Lorenzana’s booming momentum. An experienced competitor in his own right, Correa’s professional career spans back to 2017. Correa aims to capitalize on the young star and get back on track with a statement victory in his first contest in California.

In a clash of unbeaten featherweights, Joseph Subia (3-0-1, 3 KOs) takes on Francisco Casillas (3-0-2, 2 KOs) in a scheduled four-round bout. Representing Atascadero, California, Subia brings a perfect knockout ratio into the matchup and looks to build on his momentum following a first-round stoppage victory in his last outing. Standing opposite him is Maywood, California’s Casillas, who returns to the ring for the first time since 2022. Also undefeated, Casillas aims to shake off the ring rust and derail Subia’s early surge in what shapes up to be a competitive showdown between two rising prospects.

In a lightweight showcase, West Covina, Calif.’s Paolo Barredo (5-0, 2 KOs) faces off against Mexico’s Roberto Almazan Monreal (13-26-1, 5 KOs). A 19-year-old budding prospect training out of Walnut, Calif., Barredo makes a quick turnaround following a unanimous decision victory over Martin Vargas Ramirez earlier this month in Tijuana. Standing across from him is the seasoned Monreal, nearly a decade older and boasting 35 more professional bouts. Now based in Miami, Monreal brings veteran savvy and durability into the matchup as he prepares for his first appearance of 2026. With a wealth of experience against a wide range of opponents, Monreal aims to test the rising prospect and play spoiler on fight night.

Adding to the card’s mission to spotlight budding prospects, Wahiawa, Hawaii’s Alexander Nakamura (0-1) will welcome Antonio Villegas of Menifee, Calif., to the professional ranks. Rounding out the card, Temecula, California’s own Malikah Salazar is set to make his professional debut against Las Vegas resident Stephen Barbee (1-6). The matchup underscores MPP’s continued mission to provide emerging talent with a platform to showcase their skills, as Salazar looks to make a strong first impression in the professional ranks. 

Manny Pacquiao Promotions: Taduran vs. Perez arrives on the heels of the promotion’s second consecutive sold-out event, further cementing its status as a growing stage for both emerging prospects and seasoned veterans alike. 

Manny Pacquiao Promotions: Taduran vs. Perez

Pechanga Resort Casino | Temecula, Calif. | Saturday, April 3 | 6 p.m. PT | Airing Live on ESPN Knockout

IBF Minimumweight World Championship Main Event – 12 Rounds

Pedro Taduran (19-4-1, 13 KOs) vs. Gustavo Pérez Álvarez (16-1-0, 5 KOs)

Lightweight Co-Main Event – 4 Rounds

Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. (0-0-1) vs. Darrick Gates (0-1)

Middleweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Lazaro Lorenzana (19-0, 13 KOs) vs. Esneiker Correa (16-6-3, 6 KOs)

Featherweight Bout – 4 Rounds

Joseph Subia (3-0-1, 3 KOs) vs. Francisco Casillas (3-0-2, 2 KOs)

Lightweight Bout – 6 rounds

Paolo Barredo (5-0, 2 KOs) vs. Roberto Almazan Monreal (13-26-1, 5 KOs)

Super Bantamweight Bout – Super Bantamweight

Antonio Villegas (Pro Debut) vs. Alexander Nakamura (0-1)

Lightweight Bout – 4 Rounds

Malikah Salazar (Pro Debut) vs. Stephen Barbee (1-6)

Card Subject to Change*

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About Manny Pacquiao Promotions

Manny Pacquiao Promotions is a global boxing promotions company founded by eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. The mission of the company is to develop athletes, produce world-class events, and expand the global reach of boxing. Beyond building elite talent, the organization is committed to creating exciting content, delivering innovative and memorable events, and giving back to the sport by providing fans with the matchups, experiences, and energy they want to see. At its core, the company aims to elevate the sport with fresh creativity, authentic storytelling, and an unwavering dedication to bringing fun and excitement back to boxing on a global stage.