NORTH COTABATO’S Edrin Dapudong is set to fight WBA flyweight champion Hernan “Tyson” Marquez for the WBA world flyweight title on July 2 in Mexico.
Dapudong is coming off a technical knockout victory against Indonesian Benja Loemoli in the undercard of the Pinoy Pride 6: Grudge Rematch last June 11 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
After the fourth-round victory, Dapudong of the from the Brave Heart Stable has decided to push through with the fight in coordination with ALA Promotions in his bid to snatch the WBA world flyweight belt from Marquez.
The 24-year-old Dapudong has a record of 22 wins with 13 knockouts, and three losses. He lost the WBC silver flyweight belt to Mexican Wilbert Uicab last September 17, 2010 in Centro De Cancun in Cancun, Mexico through a unanimous decision.
On the other hand, the 22-year-old Marquez has a 30-2 (win-loss) record with 23 wins coming by the way of knockouts.
He knocked down Panamanian Luis Concepcion in the 11th round last April 2 in Panama City, Panama to be crowned the WBA world flyweight champion. He will be defending his belt for the first time. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL