Igorot boxer KJ Natuplag has suffered defeat in his featherweight bout against Hasibullah Ahmadi of Afghanistan in the undercard of the Middle-East Crown Dubai in Al Habtoor City on June 5.
Natuplag has displayed an impressive performance all throughout the eight-round bout, but the judges favored the equally strong Ahmadi with a unanimous decision.
It was a good start for Natuplag, displaying aggression in the first round of the event against Ahmadi, who now has 12 wins against zero losses under his belt.
Nagtuplag, who now has eight wins, three losses and two draws, went down in round five taking in a low blow but was able to recover by peppering Ahmadi with blows in the final round.
“It was a hometown decision but it’s fine. According to the promoters and viewers, it was either a draw or win for me. Almost all of them told me I should have won,” Natuplag said in an interview with the Courier.
He said his performance in the fight gave him an opportunity for another match in Dubai which will be scheduled later this year.
Natuplag and promoter-trainer Brico Santig’s trip back home was delayed duo to travel ban from the UAE to the Philippines, which has been extended until June 15.
Dunstan Rosaio, chair, and David Chan, managing director of DMJC Events are hosting the due during their extended stay.
Natuplag and Santig also thanked Middle East Crown Promotion American promoter Mathews and matchmaker Jose Mohan for the help.
Filipinos who are working in Dubai also visited the two to check on them.
Flights from the UA, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Oman are temporarily banned from touching down in any country in Southeast Asia. – Ofelia C. Empian
