Ifugao boxer KJ Natuplag is now a two-division regional champion after he demolished his Thai opponent in Dubai on Nov. 12 to win the vacant World Boxing Organization Oriental featherweight belt.
The 26-year-old Natuplag was caught with a left hand early in the first round by Boonrueang Phayon of Thailand, but the Filipino boxer continued to move forward, as he unleashed punches that found their way to the target.
Natuplag, the reigning World Boxing Council Asia featherweight champion, also went for head hunting in the last minute of the first round that could have wobbled his Thai opponent.
The second canto saw the Thai boxer going toe-to-toe with Natuplag, who was landing more accurate shots until he opted for the body and head combination.
Natuplag, who now trains under VIC MMA gym, caught his opponent’s head with a solid right cross followed by a barrage of punches that floored the Thai boxer, for-cing the referee to end the bout.
The Highland Boxing Gym prodigy won the WBC Asia belt last June this year when he also won against Attanon Kunlawong of Thailand via technical KO, also in Dubai.
Natuplag connected with a solid left cross to seal a TKO win against Kunlawong in the second round of their scheduled 10-round championship match.
The Ifugao boxer now has 11 wins, with 10 coming by way of KO/TKO, three losses, and two draws. – Harley F. Palangchao
