A paper work glitch has delayed the departure of Filipino boxer Edren Dapudong who is set to fight for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver Flyweight title in Tepic City, Mexico on June 19.
Dapudong, 23, the former World Boxing Organization Oriental Junior Flyweight champion was supposed to leave for Mexico via the United States June 15 and was expected to arrive in Tepic City on June 16. A document required by the US embassy in Manila which Dapudong failed to submit initially, however, delayed the approval of his transit visa.
"He is sure to leave June 16 and will be in Mexico on June 17, two days before the fight," said promoter Sammy Gelloani who arranged the WBC championship bout between Dapudong and Mexican Jesus Jimenez.
Noli Pinol, chief trainer of the Braveheart Boxing Club of North Cotabato to which Dapudong belongs, said the delay and the rigors of processing the travel papers at the last minute are expected to affect Dapudong's performance.
"Dehado talaga tayo dito kasi pagod ang boxer sa kababalik sa US embassy para mag-process ng papeles. Pero wala naman tayong magagawa kundi tanggapin ang laban because this is our only chance to appear in a big fight," Noli Pinol said.
While largely unknown abroad, Dapudong, who has a record of of 22 wins with 14 KOs against 2 losses, is considered as one of the top flyweights in the Philippines. His losses were all by decision, one of which was against former world champion Muhammad Rachman of Indonesia.
In Cebu City last year, he knocked out veteran Bert Batawang before a hometown crowd but lost the title when he failed to defend it within six months.
Since losing to Rachman, Dapudong, 23, has piled up victories and is highly rated by the world boxing bodies in the junior flyweight division.
Jimenez, known as "The Destroyer," is the current Latino flyweight champion and has a record of 28 wins with 20 KOs against 5 losses, three of which came by way of knockout.
The WBC Silver Flyweight Championship, a new title established by the WBC to recognize upcoming world title contenders, is set for 12 rounds.(pr)
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