New WBC Champion Quietly Returns to RP; Celebrates 24th Birthday With Family

M'lang, North Cotabato - Farmer's son Edrin "The Sting" Dapudong, who shocked Mexican boxing when he knocked out in less than 2 minutes Mexico's No. 1 Pound for Pound Flyweight and World No. 1 Jesus "The Destroyer" Jimenez to win the World Boxing Council Flyweight Silver Championship, quietly returned home to the Philippines yesterday (June 26) and proceeded to his home in Barangay Pag-asa in this town to celebrate his victory and his 24th birthday with his family, relatives and friends.

Dapudong arrived with his manager, former North Cotabato governor Manny Pinol, and Braveheart Boxing Club chief trainer Noli Pinol from Salinas, California where they spent three days of rest with family friends following his sensational first round KO victory in Tepic City, Mexico June 19. Also in the group was Manny Pinol's wife, Emily.

The new champion was welcomed upon his arrival at the NAIA by Games and Amusements Board (GAB) officials led by boxing chief Dr. Nasser Cruz, international matchmaker Sammy Gelloani who arranged the Mexico fight along with Sampson Leckowicz, customs officer Alfredo "Bok" Cruz, a close friend of Manny Pinol, and fraternity brothers and sisters of Dapudong.

Cruz hosted breakfast for the new champion at the Century Park Sheraton before the party proceeded for the last leg of the journey home, the 1 1/2 hour flight to Davao City which is two hours away from M'lang.

Dapudong, a college student who dropped out of school to pursue his passion for boxing, heard mass at the old Sta. Teresita Parish Church in M'lang early today and will attend a public viewing of his fight against Jimenez at the town's gymnasium which Mayor Lito Pinol arranged so that the champion's townmates will see the video of the Mexico championship bout.

The fight will also be shown on July 3 from 11 am on ABS CBN Studio 23.

Tomorrow, Monday, a motorcade will be arranged from Dapudong's village to the town plaza where he will join the newly reelected mayor, Lito Pinol, and his fellow officials in their oathtaking ceremony.(pr)