Featherweight Thrill: China Champ Liu Wensong Battles "Ipugao" KJ Natuplag Saturday in Dubai
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 02 Feb 2023
Skilled Filipino WBO Oriental Champion KJ Natuplag and Middle Kingdom warrior champ Liu Wensong are all-systems-go to climb the ring for their thrilling war this coming Saturday, February 4, at the VIC Sports Complex in Dubai, U.A.E.
The hard-swinging Khurvin Jhon "KJ, The Ipugo" Natuplag (11-3-2, 10 KO's), from the Ili ti Lagawe in Ifugao in the Philippines' Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon, comes down to the shores and sands of the Middle East to battle tall and disciplined 24-year-old WBA China Featherweight champion Liu Wensong (8-1-1, 5 KO's), the young, promising boxer from Guiyang City in Southwestern China.
Two inches taller than the talented Ilocano, Liu Wensong gets again into boxing action after only one fight in 2022. It was a six-rounder that Liu Wenson won by points, outclassing Chinese compatriot Shichao Gao (7-2-1, 3 KO's) two months ago. In contrast, KJ has been much more active.
China top promoter Liu Gang gives useful tips his boxer Liu Wensong ahead of Saturday's clash in Dubai.
Interestintly, his crucial fight against KJ Natuplag in Dubai will be Liu Wensong's very first fight outside of his native China.
In comparison, the rumble will be KJ Natuplag's 5th consecutive battle in Dubai. How about that?
His last 3 clashes have been knockout wins or the Pinoy in the "The City of Gold', two of those victories were regional title wins. Not bad at all.
In fact, it seems that KJ's knowledge of all boxing things in Dubai could be his big advantage.
Is it his experience in Dubai a huge PLUS for the Fighter from the Land of legendary warrior hero LapuLapu?
"I think sure 100% yes," says again award-winning Filipino promoter Brico Santig, director of Highland Boxing.
"KJ Nataplug is really so familiar to fighting in Dubai. The Chinese boxer no.
"KJ Natuplag keeps on winning here (in Dubai), feeling strong, gaining even more knowledge and skills," thinks Santig.
Indeed, last June KJ Natuplag stopped in 2 rounds battle-tested Thai fighter Attanon Kunlawong (17-9-1, 13 KO's) to become the new WBC Asia Featherweight Champion.
Then, last November KJ ravaged another Thailand fearsome fighter in Dubai: "Knockout Artist" Boonrueang Phayom (10-2, 10 KO's).
In that war, KJ Nataplug rocked and punished the dangerous heavy-handed Thai boxer, taking him out in two fast-paced, thrilling rounds of pure adrenaline to claim the vacant WBO Oriental Featherweight Title.
His last two fights: two regional title wins.
Then what next? Will KJ Natuplag stop Liu (8-1-1) as well.... for another KO win in "The City of Gold" Dubai?
Or... or will the quiet, pogi and shy Liu Wensong be able to handle the pressure of battling the more experienced Natuplag, stopping the Filipino in his tracks???
That remains to be seen.
Liu Wensong is promoted by China powerhouse promoter Liu Gang. The 51-year-old Liu Gang is a former boxer who competed in the Barcelona 1992 Olympics, now a promoter of his company Maxpower Boxing Promotions.
On fight night, who will emerge victorious, KJ Natuplag or Liu Wensong? The Chinese or the Pinoy? What do you think?
KJ Natuplag vs Liu Wensong, and also Joepher Montano vs The Uighur "Destroyer" Baishanbo are the two main battles this coming Saturday, February 4, 2023, at the VIC Sports Complex in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
HOW TO WATCH IF YOU ARE NOT IN DUBAI
Boxing fans outside Dubai, U.A.E, may watch the show live for free thanks to the link provided by outstanding man of boxing, training and fights Alessio Bisutti, President and Founder of VIC SPORT COMPLEX, VIC SPORTS PROMOTIONS and FCC:
https://www.youtube.com/@vicsportscomplex/streams
The fight action starts on Saturday, February 4, at 17:00 hours Dubai Time (UTC +4)
SPECIAL INVITATION TO FILIPINO & CHINESE IN BOXING FANS IN DUBAI
Filipinos and Chinese boxing fans in Dubai are invited to attend this Saturday's exciting boxing show to support with their compatriots in their exciting fights.
Venue: Vic Spors Complex. 17 B Street Al Quoz 3, Dubai
To reserve your ticket, just send an email to: reservations@fcc-vic.com
General Admission (Silver tickets) are 120 AED (1,800 pesos, RMB 220)
Photos by Carlos Costa, Fight poster courtesy of Vic/Maxpower Boxing Promotions.
The author veteran boxing reporter Carlos Costa of Panama can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and whatsapp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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