NATUPLAG, SANTIG WIN LUZPROBA CROWNS BY SPLIT DECISIONS

DOUBLE CHAMPIONS. Bener Santig (left) and KJ Natuplag, both of the Highland Boxing Stable from La Trinidad, Benguet. (Photo by MONIQUE SANTIG)

By LITO DELOS REYES

STABLEMATES KJ Natuplag and Bener Santig both scored split decisions against their rivals to capture their respective titles in the Luzon Professional Boxing Association (Luzproba) last Saturday night at the Benguet State University gym in La Trinidad, Benguet.

The 20-year old Natuplag survived a 3^rd round knockdown to beat Bryan Tamayo by a split decision to capture the vacant bantamweight title. Natuplag came back strong in the remaining three rounds by landing more telling blows to keep his unblemished record to four straight wins with three knockouts against no loss or draw.

It was only the first setback suffered by the 20-year old Tamayo after also three straight wins with two knockouts.

“Actually hindi talaga knockdown yun kasi nasabayan lang ng slip,” said Natuplag’s chief trainer Joven “JJ” Jorda of the Highland Boxing Gym.

Natuplag was hit by a right overhand but was able to stand up quickly.

“Maraming salamat kay GOD kahit papaano walang masamang nangyari sa akin at sa lahat ng nagdadasal sa laban ko at sa lahat ng dumalo maraming maraming salamat po sa inyo,” said Natuplag.

Aside from his family and supporters, Natuplag also thanked his trainers.

Santig, on the other hand, also scored a split decision against Edward Camion to bag the vacant featherweight title. Santig and Camion fought toe to toe in the 6-round title-fight.

Santig, however, landed more powerful punches. The 26-year old Santig improved his record to five wins against one loss and one draw while Camion dropped to 2-5-1-2KOs card.

In the undercard, super bantamweight Roman Canto (11-8-3) of MB Boxing Promotion stopped Jomar Borbon (4-25-2) in the third round for his 12^th win.