Natuplag to fight again in Dubai
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 30 Jun 2021
DAVAO CITY – Boxer KJ “The Ipugo” Natuplag of Ifugao will probably fight in Dubai again because the Philippine government has extended the ban on travelers from the United Arab Emirates until July 15. It has also extended the ban on travelers from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Langka and Oman.
The 24-year-old Natuplag, who is managed by Darwin Miller, is accompanied by matchmaker Brico Santig of the Highland Boxing Gym.
“Oo ban na naman ulit,” said Santig on Facebook.
The first ban was last June 15 then extended again on July 30. Now, it is extended to July 15.
They are waiting if the Games and Amusement Board will approve Natuplag’s next fight in Dubai again.
“Pero pa approve muna namin sa GAB (But we have to approve GAB first,” said Santig.
“We just follow the guidelines because we can't do that without the government's advice,” he added.
Natuplag (8W-3L-2D, 7KOs) is currently training two hours a day at the Round 10 Gym.
“Minsan sa apartment din kami nag e-ensayo, may gym din dito puede mag work out at swimming pool (Sometimes we also practice in the apartment, there is also a gym here where you can work out and a swimming pool),” said Santig.
Based on the GAB's rules, Natuplag could not fight for 45 days after his last loss to Hasibullah Ahmadi on June 5 in Dubai.
“Kaya July 20 pataas puwede na kami (So July 20 onwards we can already fight),” said Santig.
Natuplag will have sparring on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the scheduled second “ayuda” for the Philippine boxing community from Dubai donors was also moved for the second week of July.
PHOTO: KJ “The Ipugo” Natuplag (right) and Brico Santig.
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