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PHILIPPINES' DAPUDONG GETS REMATCH WITH SOUTH AFRICAN CHAMP LWANDILE SITYATHA By Manny Piñol PhilBoxing.com Thu, 24 Jul 2014 Davao City - The recent controversial loss of Edrin "The Sting" Dapudong, North Cotabato's first world boxing champion, of the IBO Super Flyweight title by split decision to Lwandile Sityatha in East London has set the stage for what could be an intense boxing rivalry between the Philippines and South Africa. Hoping to avenge Dapudong's loss which was widely criticized even by South African boxing aficionados as another example of a hometown decision, the Filipino fighter's camp has arranged for a rematch tentatively scheduled Nov. 14 this year in Davao City. A contract for the second meeting between Dapudong and Sityatha was signed even before the former champion and his handlers left South Africa. Former North Cotabato Governor Manny Pinol and Sityatha's manager and promoter, Ayanda Matiti, signed the rematch contract witnessed by Len Hunt, the International Boxing Organization (IBO) vice president for Africa and Asia. Dapudong's loss, which was widely criticized even by South African boxing men, was his second controversial defeat in that country. In November of 2012, he also lost by split decision to Gideon Buthelezi in Johannesburg, a loss which he avenged with a first round knockout in their second meeting in June 2013. Dapudong hopes to avenge his defeat in his second meeting with Sityatha who boxing observers said back-pedalled during the full 12 rounds of the title fight. Sityatha's split decision win was criticized even by South African boxing men. Bongani Waltas Bonglez Dlamini of South Africa said in a Facebook post: "I'm tired of East London (and) how they do their scorecard these judges... If you don't knock their boy they just know that you lost your title." Gert Strydom, a South Africa nboxing trainer who worked as cutman in Dapudong's corner said: "Bongani that is true. They're killing the sport of boxing with their biased scoring." Masixole Valantiya also commented saying "Eish Gert i watched the fight your boy meant business from first up to last round he was dominating and the mr makeleni seemed suprised by de score cards,i think there must be a return fight soon." Sinethemba Sbonda Matyaleni said: "Gert I was with you there when we were preparing for Team Komanisi. Dapudong was composed and he said he is here to win and will give a great show which he did, when I left I thought he won but by the time I reached the exit door the results were different. I fully support the idea of the rematch." Oubaas Francois Joubert commented: "I fully agree gert. what a shame he really fought his heart out and this what he gets being robbed of his world title they must give him a rematch in his own country the same happened to Manny's fighter he was robbed even worse shame on these judges." Timothy Howson posted in Facebook: "I had Edrin winning. Good the rematch in his country." The world title fight which will be the first IBO-sanctioned championship in the Philippines is expected to be held at the Davao City Recreation Center, formerly known as the Almendras Gymnasium. The Dapudong-Sityatha world title fight will also mark the formal launching of the country's newest TV sports channel, the Sonshine Sports TV. (Photo caption: Before his controversial loss, Dapudong poses with his team trainer Nonoy Neri, cutman Gert Strydom, asst. trainer Rex Penalosa, manager Manny Pinol and two Filipino doctors based in East London, South Africa Dr. Leo Dalmacio and Dr. Albert Ting.) Click here to view a list of other articles written by Manny Piñol. |
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