The Philippines made another Filipino world boxing champion as Edrin Dapudong captured the International Boxing Organization Junior Bantamweight title at the Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg, South Africa. He defeated Gideon Buthelezi of South Africa.
The 27-year-old Filipino boxer avenged his first controversial split decision loss in his first meeting with Buthelezi last November. Dapudong became the first boxing world champion from North Cotabato.
The Filipino boxer landed a left hook to the jaw two minutes, 29 seconds into the opening round that stunned and silenced Buthelezi supporters. American referee Robert Byrd immediately called it over and out as Buthelezi’s handlers rushed to his aid.
His manager, former North Cotabato governor Manny Pinol, had earlier said 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.
Photo Courtesy: http://www.mannypinol.com/