March 29, 2024

Ifugao boxer KJ Natuplag is back in the winning circle following an impressive fourth-round knockout stoppage of Argel Berrio of Colombia in their eight-round bout in La Perle, Al Habtoor, Dubai on Sept. 12.
The 24-year-old Natuplag connected with an upper cross that floored Berrio in the fourth round forcing the referee to stop the fight in the bantamweight division.
Before that, Natuplag, who trains out of Highland Boxing Gym in La Trinidad, Benguet, also connected with a right uppercut that sent his opponent to the canvas, but managed to end the round.
Coming into the fight, Natuplag has predicted an early stoppage, as he vowed to knockout Berrio, who was enjoying a three-winning streak since February this year.
Berrio has been a busy fighter even this pandemic having fought four times this year, including the bout with Natuplag.
Natuplag, meanwhile, ended his three-losing streak in a high note considering that Berrio is one of the best boxers of Colombia.
Natuplag, along with Highland Boxing Gym manager Brico Santig, is locked down in Dubai since June due to the ban on travelers coming from the United Arab Emirates and nine countries.
Last June, Natuplag suffered a unanimous decision loss to undefeated Afghan boxer Hasibullah Ahmadi in the featherweight division.
Ahmadi eventually clinched the vacant World Boxing Council-Asian Boxing Council featherweight belt when he won via unanimous decision against Raf Aghayev in August. – Harley F. Palangchao