World Title Challenger Dapudong Marks Birthday on the Road
By Manny Piñol
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 27 Jun 2011
World Flyweight title contender Edrin "The Sting" Dapudong celebrated his 25th birthday on June 26 while on the road to his July 2 engagement with World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight champion Hernan "Tyson" Marquez in Hermosillo, Mexico.
The North Cotabato boxer left Manila Sunday, June 26, with his manager, former governor Manny Pinol, trainer Bruce Lerio and ALA Boxing vice president Dennis Canete and was thrilled to find out that for the first time in his life, he had two days to celebrate his birthday as he and his team arrived in the US also on June 26.
'This could be a lucky sign because I get two celebrate my birthday two days in a row," said the former Oriental flyweight champion who was asked to fight Marquez for the WBA flyweight with only two weeks notice.
In spite of the short notice, Dapudong, who is a product of the grassroots boxing program started by Pinol when he was governor of North Cotabato, appeared to be in good shape and high spirits as his opportunity to fight for the world title comes close.
A few days after his June 11 fight with undefeated Indonesian Benja Loemoli who was stopped in only four rounds in ALA Boxing's Pinoy Pride 6 in Cebu City, an offer was made for him to fight Marquez in Hermosillo, Mexico.
"He was the most prepared among the boys so we volunteered his name," said Canete.
When informed of the fight, Dapudong (23 wins, 14 KOs, 3 losses) was only 120 lbs. thus making it easy for him to come down to 112 lbs. Yesterday, with still five days to go before the championship fight, Dapudong was already at 115 lbs. Lerio said he does not expect Dapudong to have a problem with his weight.
"What we are concerned about would be the climate in Hermosillo," said Leriod after receiving reports that the Mercury hits 105F which would be very hot.
The fight against Marquez could be an exciting bout as the champion (27 wins, 3 losses, 22 KOs) is a known slugger who packs powerful punches.
Dapudong, on the other hand, holds the distinction of not having been downed, cut or even hurt in all of his professional fights. He also has a 3-inch height advantage standing 5' 5" tall as against the 5' 2" height of the champion.
"This is my chance to win the world title and I will fight hard for it," Dapudong said.
He also said he will consider the world flyweight title could be the best gift he can give himself on his 25th birthday.
Photo: Edrin Dapudong on the mitts in Maywood, California.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Manny Piñol.
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