Natuplag to fight again in Dubai

By LITO DELOS REYES

DAVAO CITY – Boxer KJ “The Ipugo” Natuplag of Ifugao will fight again maybe in Dubai because the Philippine government has extended the ban on travelers from the United Arab Emirates until July 15.

It has also extended the ban on travelers from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Langka and Oman.

The 24-year-old Natuplag, who is managed by Darwin Miller, is accompanied by matchmaker Brico Santig of the Highland Boxing Gym.
“Oo ban na naman ulit,” said Santig on Facebook.

The first ban was last June 15 then extended again on June 30. Now, it is extended to July 15.

They are waiting for next week if the Games and Amusement Board will approve Natuplag’s next fight in Dubai again.

“Pero pa approve muna namin sa GAB (But we have to approve GAB first”, said Santig.

“We just follow the guidelines because we can’t do that with government advice,” he added.

Natuplag (8W-3L-2D, 7KOs) is currently practicing every two hours a day at the Round 10 Gym.

“Minsan sa apartment din kami nag e-ensayo, may gym din dito puede mag work out at swimming pool (Sometimes we also practice in the apartment, there is also a gym here where you can work out and a swimming pool)”, said Santig.

The suspension on Natuplag’s loss is 45 days and will end on July 20.

“Kaya June 5 puwede na.kami July 20 pataas (So June 5 is fine. We are July 20 onwards)”, said Santig.

Natuplag will have a sparring match on Thursday. He recently lost by a unanimous decision to Hasibullah Ahmadi of Afghanistan last June 5 at Hilton Al Habtoor City in Dubai.

Meanwhile, the scheduled second “ayuda” by the boxing community was also moved for the second week of July.

PHOTO: KJ “The Ipugo” Natuplag (right) and Brico Santig See Less