UNBEATEN Ifugao fighter Khurvin John Natuplag bucked a first round knockdown scoring a third round technical knockout against Pongpasin Chulerd to wrest the World Boxing League (WBL) Asian featherweight belt on September 22 in Thailand.

Natuplag was caught early in the first round by his Thai opponent, but the 21–year–old came back stronger in the second and third round to topple Chulerd with a damaging straight rights and vicious left hooks.

Brico Santig, of the Highland Boxing Gym, said Natuplag was caught with a right cross during their exchange in the first round but the Ifugao pug came charging back in the second round connecting with an upper cut to send the Thailander down to the canvass.

“Sa third round dun na bumanat si KJ, mga body shots then tinigil na ng referee,” said Santig.

With the win, Natuplag improved his record to seven wins including five knock outs and two draws while Chulerd dropped to 1 – 3.

Natuplag earlier vied for the Asian Boxing Federation featherweight championship in April, however, the bout was ruled out a draw when an accidental low blow decked the Ifugao slugger where he was given mandatory five minute break.

However, Natuplag failed to get up after the five minute allowable break which prompted ABF officials to declare the bout no contest.

“Officials declared it technical draw as recommendation by the doctor after the low blow. Based on the ABF rule, if the fight does not go beyond four rounds and there was an accidental hit, then they will declare it a draw,” added Santig.

The event was staged at the Ram 100 Gym in Bangkok hatched by Highland Boxing gym in cooperation with Singwancha Foundation, Fightnews Asia, and DMAD Boxing Promotions. (Roderick Osis)