REIGNING International Boxing Organization (IBO) superflyweight title Edrin "The Sting" Dapudong of M'lang, North Cotabato is all set to defend his title when he faces Lwandile Sityatha in East London, South Africa on July 18.
The 28-year-old Dapudong, being handled by former North Cotabato Gov. Manny Piñol for Sonshine Sports Management of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, said: "Paningkamutan nako nga madepensahan ang titulo (I will do my best to keep my title)."
Dapudong, who holds a 30-win, four-loss record including 18 knockouts, guested with coach Rex Peñalosa and other Sonshine Sports Management boxers and coaches who will see action on June 28 at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center at the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at NCCC Mall B3 Center on Thursday.
Peñalosa, in a separate phone interview, said, "Dako ang tiyansa madepensa ni Edrin iyang bakus tungod kay nakita nako nga insayado kini. Maayo iyang kondisyon karon (Edrin stands a good chance to defend his belt as he is prepared for it. He's in good shape)."
The veteran coach said they train two hours every day. Dapudong's camp train at the Manny Pacquiao Gym in Toril.
"Preparado kaayo mi. Almost two months among training ug dili mi muubos sa 110 rounds ka sparring usa pa ang game (We're ready with almost two months set for training. We target at least 110 rounds in sparring before the big fight)," Peñalosa said.
He described Dapudong as a counter-puncher with a great footwork, adding: "Ang power ni Edrin maingon nato nga 90 percent kay knockout artist man siya. Kaya kaayo niya iyang kalaban kay fighter pud, anad si Edrin anang klase nga kalaban. So dako akong kumpyansa sa iyaha (Edrin's power is 90 percent being a knockout artist. He can beat his opponent who is also a fighter as he is used to this style. I'm confident with him)."
It can be recalled that Dapudong beat Gideon Buthelezi via a first round knockout on June 15, 2013 in their rematch at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, Gauteng in South Africa, avenging his split decision loss to the latter during their first meeting on November 10, 2012 at the same venue.