March 28, 2024

Ifugao boxer KJ Natuplag is going through a series of training as matchmakers are still finalizing his upcoming bout this year.

Natuplag, whose last fight was in November 2019 where he lost via technical knockout against Japanese Nikito Nakano in Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall, is pumped to get back on the ring and redeem his record.

He suffered his first loss in his otherwise clean slate in June that same year against Joe Tejones through split decision, bringing his current record to eight wins with seven by way of knockout, two losses, and two draws. 

Gusto kong manalo, tiwala naman ako sa trainer ko na si Brico Santig. Inaayos ang suntok ko. Iba ako noon kumpara ngayon na ramdam kong lumalakas na ang suntok ko. Basta ang nasa isip ko ay kailangan kong manalo sa laban,” Natuplag said. 

The orthodox fighter, who trains under Highland Boxing Gym based in La Trinidad, Benguet, was earlier scheduled to fight Jon Jon Estrada of Pasay City in the “Relentless: Fists of Fire” on July 3 in Laguna.

But Highland Boxing Gym manager Brico Santig said the fight is still undergoing updates as of press time.

Despite the pandemic, Santig said they are doing what they can to schedule bouts for their prized fighters, who have been sidelined for a year now without fights.

Natuplag is also grateful for his sparring partner Ador Torres, who was one of the boxers who took up odd jobs as vegetable porters at the La Trinidad trading post during the start of the pandemic. – Ofelia C. Empian