Dapudong loses world title bid via controversial TKO

CEBU, Philippines - Edrin "The Sting" Dapudong's quest for a world title ended in heartbreaking and controversial outcome as he was defeated via a third round knockout by defending WBA flyweight titlist Hernan "Tyson" Marquez yesterday at the Centro de Usos Multiples in Sonora, Mexico.

Dapudong, who is also fighting under the promotional banner of ALA Promotions, fought toe-to-toe with the champion in front of thousands of Mexicans cheering for Marquez in the first two rounds of the fight.

But the shocker came in the third round when Marquez launched a barrage of shots sending Dapudong to the seat of his pants.

Showing his big heart coming to the fight, the 25-year-old Dapudong immediately stood up showing he wasn't hurt with the knockout, but referee Raul Caiz did not continue the count and instead halted the fight in the 1:49 mark of the third round.

It resulted to confusion not only from Dapudong but also to his corner including from his manager and former North Cotabato Governor Manny Piñol.

Dapudong stated that after he stood up, Caiz asked him if he wanted to continue the fight and he said yes by nodding his head.

"I don't know why he (Caiz) stopped it," said Dapudong who was also allegedly a victim of cheating in his unsuccessful defense of his WBC silver flyweight title last year when he fought Mexican Wilbert Uicab in Mexico.

"We can't say we could have won the fight but certainly, the stoppage was premature given the fact that this is a world championship fight. Dapudong was not even hurt or marked," said Piñol in an interview with Philboxing.com.

 Aside from Dapudong, Filipino journeyman Federico Catubay was also stopped in the sixth round by Mexican and undefeated super flyweight Daniel Rosas. — THE FREEMAN