Philippines, 09 Jan 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


DAPUDONG AVENGES CONTROVERSIAL LOSS, WINS IBO TITLE WITH SPECTACULAR 1ST ROUND KO


PhilBoxing.com




Edrin Dapudong avenged his hugely controversial split decision loss in his first meeting with South Africa?s Gideon Buthelezi with a spectacular 1st round knockout to win the IBO junior bantamweight title at Emperor's Palace in Johannesburg, South Africa Sunday morning Manila Time.

Super Sport well known boxing writer Ron Jackson reported that Dapudong?s classic left hook to the jaw knocked out the champion 2 minutes 29 seconds into the first round in a victory that stunned and silenced the Buthelezi supporters.

Dapudong?s manager and longtime supporter, former North Cotabato governor Manny Pinol had told the Manila Standard before the fight that the only way to win in South Africa, known for its hometown decisions, was to knock an opponent out and he had made this clear to Dapudong.

Jackson reported that Buthelezi, who had won their first bout on a split decision in November last year, seemed confident enough as the boxers sized up each other but the moment Dapudong dug in a left to the body Buthelezi momentarily dropped his guard.
He said the South African champion never saw the follow-up left as his head swiveled when Dapudong?s fist connected and he was out even before he hit the canvas. American referee Robert Byrd immediately called it over and out as Buthelezi?s handlers rushed to his aid.

Dapudong who had cried the first time when he was robbed of a decision he richly deserved last November once again burst into tears of joy as he realized he had won the title this time around.

The widespread criticism both in the South African and Philippine media saw IBO president Ed Levine rightfully order a rematch which Dapudong grabbed eagerly and his hard training and commitment paid off handsomely.

Buthezi entered the ring for his first title defense with a record of 13-3, including four knockouts while . Dapudong improved to 28-5, with 17 knockouts after one of the most sensational opening rounds seen in South African boxing for a long time.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • ‘I’m ready to make some noise’ Billy Quinncroft returns for Cruiserweight title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Fri, 09 Jan 2026
  • Dableo and Laylo's Team to Compete in Bulacan
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 09 Jan 2026
  • Sanman Boxing present Yeerken vs. Carcedo WBA Asia South Title Clash in General Santos City on Feb 9
    , Fri, 09 Jan 2026
  • Hardstone adds 2 more title fights on January 26
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 09 Jan 2026
  • Panamerican Boxing Confederation Partners with Xempower for Digital and AI-Driven Transformation
    , Fri, 09 Jan 2026
  • IGMOB TALENT GROUP Launches www.IGMOBTalent.com to Represent Fighters, Entertainers, and Rising Talent Across Sports & Media
    , Fri, 09 Jan 2026
  • SEAG Davao-based athletes eye International stints
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 09 Jan 2026
  • Canoy banking on his ring experience against Kuse
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 08 Jan 2026
  • Undefeated Kansas Middleweight Prospect Marco “El Tiburon” Romero finished 2025 with 7th triumphs, all by knockout, & 11-0 record
    , Thu, 08 Jan 2026
  • Kinetix Sports aims for bigger events in 2026
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 08 Jan 2026
  • 2026 Santa Maria Town Fiesta Chess Challenge on January 26
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 08 Jan 2026
  • World Ranked Heavyweight Dainier Pero Headlines on Saturday, January 17th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia
    , Wed, 07 Jan 2026
  • Jahyae Brown to Battle Arnold Gonzalez in Exciting Co-Feature on Thursday, January 15th at The War Memorial in Trenton, New Jersey
    , Wed, 07 Jan 2026
  • Hendri Cedeno Seeks Monumental Victory Against Alfredo Santiago for NABO Title January 10 at Barclays Center
    , Tue, 06 Jan 2026
  • Kingsley Ibeh learned from his Loss 5 years ago to Jared Anderson
    , Tue, 06 Jan 2026
  • Unified World Cruiserweight Champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez returning to Corpus Christi…as a promoter!
    , Tue, 06 Jan 2026
  • Ocum to fight Ballesteros on January 26
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 05 Jan 2026
  • SEA Plus Youth Games - Tolentino
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 05 Jan 2026
  • 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival Featuring Manny Pacquiao International Open to Push Through
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 05 Jan 2026
  • Deniega to fight Oka in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 02 Jan 2026
  • Illness forces Paddy Donovan to withdraw from IBF Welterweight World Eliminator January 16 versus Liam Paro in Australia
    , Fri, 02 Jan 2026
  • Canadian World Cruiserweight Contender Ryan Rozicki returning to ring March 7th
    , Thu, 01 Jan 2026
  • Lover Boy on hot streak
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • Silvano fights Gurung on January 13 in Hong Kong
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 31 Dec 2025
  • GM Laylo faces tough competition in Caloocan rapid chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 31 Dec 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.