Natuplag stops Peña for PBF featherweight belt

IFUGAO boxer KJ Natuplag became the latest toast of his province after snatching the vacant Philippine Boxing Federation featherweight title via a second round technical knock - out against a tough as nail Danilo Peña.

The 36–year–old tried to bully his way against the younger Natuplag in the early stages of the bout but the newly crowned featherweight champion composed himself inside the ring landing his hooks and jabs that eventually took toll on Peña as he failed to answer the bell for the seventh round in the main event of the Highland Brawl 2: War in the North at the CCDC gymnasium.

Going into the bout, Natuplag was undefeated in five fights including second round technical knock - out of Bener Santig last September which earned him a crack at the vacant 126 lbs pound Philippine crown in the event backed by Mayor Romeo Salda, Beneco, Buyugan, La Trinidad kagawad Joseph Bernal, Ifugao Governor Pedro Mayam-o, and Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan.

In the supporting bouts, Jules Victoriano of Baguio City scored a unanimous decision against Paranaque’s Juanito Paredes in their eight round featherweight bout while Brian Lobetania of La Trinidad, Benguet toppled Jayson Nicart of Bacoor City, Cavite via a fifth round technical knock -out in their light flyweight match-up.

In the four rounder events, Baguio City’s Enrique Magsalin and Romeo Tenorio of Sarangani settled for a split draw as Orlandino Sinaloba (La Trinidad) scored a majority decision against Bryan Padolina (BacoorCity) in a super bantamweight match–up.

In the women’s division, Renalyn Dacquel of Abra scored an early stoppage in just 56 seconds of the first round to win via TKO against Kathleen Papti-e of Itogon, Benguet in their super flyweight match.

In the supporting amateur bouts with former world champion Rey Boom-Boom Bautista serving as guest referee, Esli Dhon Saclag of Kalinga and Jonathan Soriano of Baguio City settled for draw while Chris Caday (Buguias) succumb against Hope Ignas (Atok).

Gilbert Dionisio (La Trinidad) meanwhile scored a unanimous decision against Eugene Tuguinay while Mark Autida (La Trinidad) escaped Jones Catalino (Buguias) via unanimous decision as MJ Uduna (Ifugao) won via TKO against Roy Domigsi.

Andrea Cola of Italy on the other hand score a TKO against Judy Kimpa-oy (La Trinidad) with Chim Apopot (Kibungan) winning over Zak Kaiser Moga (Itogon) while Christopher Miguel (Tuba) edged Bradley Delmas (La Trinidad) in the first round with a TKO as Bryan Cawas (Kapangan) defeated Jeffrey Kimpa-oy (La Trinidad) in the event also supported by CCDC, Solane-MJ Gacad and PMA promoted by Brico Santig and Darwin Miller Dep-ay. (Roderick Osis)