Natuplag fights for WBO Oriental belt vs Thai boxer
Reigning World Boxing Council Asian featherweight champion KJ Natuplag is vying to get another regional title, as he fights for the vacant World Boxing Organization Oriental featherweight belt in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The fight between Natuplag and Boonrueang Phayom of Thailand was ongoing when this paper went to the press on Friday night.
Natuplag, 26, of Ifugao has been stationed in Dubai for two years now after they were locked down in the Middle East during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Highland Boxing Gym prodigy has been active in his training while he also teaches boxing enthusiasts when training is over.
After losing his first fight in Dubai against Hasibullah Ahmadi in June 2021, Natuplag bounced back strong and defeated Argel Berrio in Le Perle, Dubai three months later.
He captured the WBC Asian featherweight belt when he stopped Attanon Kunlawong via technical knockout in June 2022.
Natuplag connected with a solid left cross to seal a TKO win against Kunlawong of Thailand in the second round of their scheduled 10-round championship match.
An accidental head butt might have wobbled the Thai boxer early in the second round, which gave Natuplag a hint to go for the kill by not allowing his opponent the chance to recover until he unleashed the solid left.
Natuplag currently has 10 wins, three losses, and two draws since he turned professional boxer in 2015.
His Thai opponent, on the other hand, has fought within his home country since he turned professional boxer in 2017, except for his lone fight in Vietnam early this year.
Phayom now has 10 wins and one loss.
Meanwhile, Natuplag acknowledged the support of his boxing promoter, including the overseas Filipino workers comprising the Cordillera community in the Middle East. – Harley F. Palangchao
