MANILA, Philippines  —  Relentless Pedro Taduran overcame an early knockdown to ruthlessly overpower fellow Filipino warrior Samuel Salva, sending him out of the venue on a stretcher as the previously unbeaten Salva was unable to come out of his red corner for the sound of the fifth round.

With the thrilling televised win, Taduran becomes the new IBF Minimumweight world champion today Saturday, September 7, at the Philippine Navy Base in Metro Manila, Philippines.

Salva started good, holding his ground and counter attacking efficiently, edging the first two frames.

But in round three, Taduran's pressure began to taken control of the actions, landing repeatedly over a reteraving Salva unable to reply in kind.

Violent attacks intensified even further during the fourth stanza in which Salva was deducted a point for by referee Danrex Tapdasan for intentionally headbutting Taduran, but to no avail because Taduran kept on coming forward mercilessly, punishing Salva wherever he ran to.

Salva barely ended that fourth round on his feet.  But a huge damage was done on him.

Seemingly without of air, exhausted and beaten up, Salva was unable to proceed the uneven war, staying down in his red corner seat, looking groggy.

For precautionary reasons, the brave Salva received on an oxygen mask and wheeled out of the venue in a stretcher, and on to a nearby ER.

Stunning win for the newly crowned IBF minimumweight world champion, who claims gold in his second shot at the world title.

Last year, Taduran fought Thailand's WBC 105 pound king Wanheng Menayothin, losing a landslide 12-rounder unanimous decision in the Kingdom of Thailand.  Menayothin (53-0)  was by far better man in that Sunny and hot Wednesday afternoon.

The clash is being aired on delayed telecast in the UK on BoxNation.

The author Carlos Costa is a Panama boxing reporter based in the Philippines.    Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp +639184538152.