DAPUDONG AVENGES CONTROVERSIAL LOSS, WINS IBO TITLE WITH SPECTACULAR 1ST ROUND KO
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 16 Jun 2013
Edrin Dapudong avenged his hugely controversial split decision loss in his first meeting with South Africa?s Gideon Buthelezi with a spectacular 1st round knockout to win the IBO junior bantamweight title at Emperor's Palace in Johannesburg, South Africa Sunday morning Manila Time.
Super Sport well known boxing writer Ron Jackson reported that Dapudong?s classic left hook to the jaw knocked out the champion 2 minutes 29 seconds into the first round in a victory that stunned and silenced the Buthelezi supporters.
Dapudong?s manager and longtime supporter, former North Cotabato governor Manny Pinol had told the Manila Standard before the fight that the only way to win in South Africa, known for its hometown decisions, was to knock an opponent out and he had made this clear to Dapudong.
Jackson reported that Buthelezi, who had won their first bout on a split decision in November last year, seemed confident enough as the boxers sized up each other but the moment Dapudong dug in a left to the body Buthelezi momentarily dropped his guard.
He said the South African champion never saw the follow-up left as his head swiveled when Dapudong?s fist connected and he was out even before he hit the canvas. American referee Robert Byrd immediately called it over and out as Buthelezi?s handlers rushed to his aid.
Dapudong who had cried the first time when he was robbed of a decision he richly deserved last November once again burst into tears of joy as he realized he had won the title this time around.
The widespread criticism both in the South African and Philippine media saw IBO president Ed Levine rightfully order a rematch which Dapudong grabbed eagerly and his hard training and commitment paid off handsomely.
Buthezi entered the ring for his first title defense with a record of 13-3, including four knockouts while . Dapudong improved to 28-5, with 17 knockouts after one of the most sensational opening rounds seen in South African boxing for a long time.
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