CEBU, Philippines - In a stunning display of brute force, Edren "The Sting" Dapudong of the North Cotabato-based Braveheart Stable scored a devastating first round knockout of Jesus Jimenez of Mexico to seize the WBC Silver flyweight belt yesterday at the Meson de los Deportes in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico.
So dominant Dapudong was that he floored Jimenez twice before referee Gerald Ritter wisely intervened to stop the carnage at 2:52 of the opening round.
Dapudong, thus, extended his winning streak to 10 since absorbing his only second defeat by decision at the hands of former world champion Muhammad Rachman of Indonesia on June 28, 2008 in Jakarta.
Overall, the M'lang, North Cotabato-native Dapudong improved his record to 18-2 now packed with 10KOs.
Jimenez, who saw his four-year, 15-fight roll come to a sudden red stop, fell to 28-6, with four of six defeats was dealt via stoppage.
Aside from moving up in the world rankings, Dapudong will surely gain international fame with his resounding victory.
Unfortunately, Dapudong's fellow countryman Richard Garcia lost by fourth round TKO to Mexican hard-puncher Juan Jose Montes. Garcia was decked by Montes in round three and twice in round four, forcing referee Stephen Blea to wave off the bout at 2:19 of round four.
The card was put up by Sampson Boxing LLC in partnership with SGG Sports Promotions of Cebuano international promoter Sammy Gello-ani, who helps chart the career of Dapudong along with former North Cotabato Governor Manny Piñol. – THE FREEMAN