EDRIN “The Sting” Dapudong of the Braveheart Stable of North Cotabato failed in his bid to win another world title for the Philippines as he was knocked out by WBA flyweight champion Hernan “Tyson” Marquez of Mexico in the third round last Sunday at the Centro de Usos Multiples in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.
Dapudong, who fought under the banner of ALA Promotions, dropped to 22 wins and 4 losses with 14 knockouts.
Marquez, on the other hand, improved to 31-2 (win-loss) with 25 KOs. Aside from a successful first title defense, he also redeemed himself from losses to Filipino boxers Richie Mepranum and Nonito Donaire, Jr.
It was another stunnig blow for ALA Boxing since this was the second consecutive loss for the team in a span of two days. Last Friday (Saturday Manila time), Mark Jason Melligen was downed by Argentinean veteran Andres Lujan in the ninth round of ESPN’s Friday Fight Nights in Texas.
While Melligen’s loss was clear, Dapudong’s was a bit controversial. This after referee Raul Caiz stopped the fight even if the Filipino was able to make the count after being knocked down by Marquez at the 1:49 mark of the third round.
The decision made Dapudong very disappointed since he believed he still had enough to continue.
“I don’t know why he (Caiz) stopped it,” Dapudong said. He also said Caiz asked him if he wanted to continue to fight and he replied with a nod.
Dapudong actually started strong as he showcased his skills in the first two rounds, withstanding the Mexican’s barrage of punches.
Meanwhile, Filipino journeyman Federico Catubay was also stopped in the sixth round by Mexican and undefeated super flyweight Daniel Rosas. /Correspondents Dale G. Rosal and Rene Bonsubre Jr.