LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Two boxers from the Highland Boxing Promotions are seeing action tonight, June 5, in two countries nearly 5,000 kilometers apart.
Reigning World Boxing Association – Asia super flyweight champion Adrian Lerasan will be fighting first as he faces Thai and reigning World Boxing Council – Asia fly king Thananchai Charunpak, with the latter’s belt at stake in Bangkok, Thailand.
Lerasan’s fight against the “King Cobra” highlights the two bout event at Workpoint 23.
The two were supposed to meet last May 1 but it was postponed due to the surge in Covid-19 cases in Asia including Thailand.
Lerasan also flew to the Thai capital alone as his trainer-coach Richard Garcia, Jr. was barred from flying when one of his Covid-19 tests turned positive.
Lerasan, however, was taken under the wings by trainer-coach Joven Jorda, who is now based in Bangkok, particularly at the Highland Boxing gym there.
Meanwhile, Ifugao pride KJ Natuplag goes up against an unbeaten prizefighter from Afghanistan tonight at the Hilton Dubai al Habtoor City in the United Arab Emirates.
The fight is one of the undercards in the World Boxing Organization cruiserweight title fight between local Rolly Lambert Fogoum (10 wins, 1 knock out, 1 draw) and Mada Maugo of Tanzania.
Natuplag will face Hasibullah Ahmadi (11-0-4 knock outs) in the undercard of a featherweight eight round match.
Ahmadi has won his last three fights all in last year via technical knockout, according to BxRec.
“He is ready for the fight,” said Santig, who flew last Monday to Dubai to join his ward.
Natuplag, a Benguet State University alum is the former Asian Boxing Federation champion but comes off two straight defeats in 12 fights that include eight wins against two draws.
“He (Natuplag) has been preparing the past two months for this fight,” said Highland Boxing Promotion top honcho Brico Santig, who flew to the UAE capital Monday.
Natuplag last fought in November 2, 2019 when he lost to Mikito Nakamo, five months after falling to Joe Tejones, who last May lost to Ifugao pride Carl Jammes Martin.
Natuplag is supposed to fight on July 3 at the Elorde Gym in Sucat, Paranaque against Jun Estrada, but Santig replaced him with Rex Wa-o as the fight is too soon with his Dubai encounter.
“It is too soon, so I have him replaced by Wa-o in the July 3 fight versus Estrada,” said Santig, who said he has sent the money from Thai philanthropist Naris Singwangcha to the Games Amusement Board for its 11 boxer-beneficiaries.
