CHALLENGER Edrin “The Sting” Dapudong of the Braveheart Stable of North Cotabato and defending WBA flyweight champion Hernan “Tyson” Marquez of Mexico both made the contracted flyweight limit for today’s world title showdown at the Hermosillo Multi-Purpose Center in Mexico.
Marquez tipped the scales at the division limit of 112lb while Dapudong weighed in at 110lb. Dapudong will have a three-inch height advantage in this fight but Marquez will have the support of the hometown crowd.
Another possible problem for the Pinoy challenger is the searing heat in Hermosilo, Sonora, Mexico which was reported to have reached 40 degrees during the weigh-in.
Dapudong (22 wins, 3 losses, 14 KOs) is fighting under the banner of ALA Promotions. He last fought on June 11 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and beat Indonesia’s Benja Loemoli by 4th round TKO.
Less than 10 days later came the breaking news that he would fight for the world title. Dapudong has fought in Mexico twice with a one win-one loss record, both fights for the WBC Silver flyweight title.
Marquez (30 wins, 2 losses with 24 KOs) will be looking to redeem himself in front of his countryman, having suffered losses to Filipino boxers Richie Mepranum and Nonito Donaire Jr.
This will be the first title defense of Marquez who claimed the WBA flyweight world title by 11th round TKO over Luis “El Nica” Concepcion last April 2 in Panama. /correspondent Rene Bonsubre Jr.