(Highland Boxing Promotions' Brico Santig with KJ Natuplag (center) and trainer. Contributed photo)
IFUGAO boxing pride KJ Natuplag made sure his bout against his Colombian foe won’t go the distance.
Natuplag downed Argel Berrio Zuniga in the third round and then finished him off in the fourth to score his ninth victory and his first in Dubai on Sept. 12 dubbed “Countdown to the Middle East Crown” at the At La Perle Al Habtoor City before a throng of Overseas Filipino Workers.
The fight card is the second of a 10-event series organized by DJMC Events that aims to popularize boxing in United Arab Emirates.
“Hindi ko ini- expect na ma knock – out ko siya. Ang game plan talaga namin is pag-aralan lang muna namin, tignan kung pano yung stamina. Malaking pasasalamat ko kay sir Brico Santig at sa mga trainers ko. Kung wala sila hindi ako mananalo,” Natuplag, who is fighting under the banner of Highland Boxing Gym based in La Trinidad, Benguet, said in a radio interview shortly after his victory.
The 24 – year – old Ipugo improved his record to nine wins that include eight knock outs with three losses and two draws while handing Berrio his ninth loss with 18 victories.
Natuplag debuted in Dubai earlier this year and fought undefeated Afghan fighter Hasibullah Ahmadi but lost via unanimous decision.
“Kumpara nung unang laban ko, ngayong naka pag adjust na ako sa klima kasi sobrang init, halos hindi ko kinaya. Pati condition ko mas maganda ngayon,” added Natuplag.
Natuplag added despite the threat of Covid -19, they were able to train unhampered in Dubai.
The win also marked his first victory after suffering three straight losses since vowing out to Joe Tejones in Davao City in 2019 via split decision, Mikito Nakano via technical knock – out in Japan, and to Ahmadi.
"Naging challenge sa akin yung tatlong sunod na pagkatalo kaya nagpursigi kame sa training,” added Natuplag.
The former Luzproba bantamweight champion said he is set to return to school and continue his course later this year once he is cleared to return to the Philippines. ***
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