| |
|
Tapales out to tame The Monster
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 06 Aug 2023
WBA/IBF superbantamweight champion Marlon Tapales isn’t fazed by the reputation of newly-crowned WBC/WBO titlist Naoya Inoue and said yesterday he’ll be ready to tame the Japanese Monster when they clash in a unification showdown in Japan before the end of the year.
“Asahan niyo lalaban ako para manalo,” said Tapales who was at ringside with coach Ernel Fontanilla and MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons when Inoue halted Stephen Fulton to wrest the WBC/WBO crowns in Tokyo last week. “Isa sa amin babagsak, ‘di tatagal ang laban.” Tapales said Inoue’s strengths are accuracy in landing punches and power. But with Fontanilla’s guidance, he’s confident of executing a fight plan to become the undisputed king of the 122-pound division. Exactly what the strategy is, Tapales would’ve divulge. “Sikreto ‘yan,” smiled the Lanao del Norte southpaw who’s known as the Nightmare.
After Inoue stopped Fulton, Tapales and Gibbons climbed the ring to congratulate the winner. It was announced that they would fight next for the WBC/WBO/WBA/IBF belts. “Nag-congratulate ako sa kaniya at sabi ko, kami next,” said Tapales. Japanese media had a field day speculating what could happen in the duel which is tentatively scheduled in December. Tapales is now in General Santos City training at the SanMan gym. He plans to leave for Las Vegas on Aug. 20 and open camp with Fontanilla. Tapales could either fly straight from Las Vegas to Japan for the fight or go to Manila for the last stage of preparations, get over jet lag for about a week then move to Japan. What’s certain is Tapales will undergo at least three months of hard training for Inoue. “Ito ang pangarap ko na maging undisputed world champion,” he said. “’Di ko sasayangin ang pagkakataon.” Tapales, 31, has a 37-3 record with 19 KOs while Inoue, 30, boasts a mark of 25-0 with 22 KOs.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
May 16: Kelvin Davis-Peter Dobson Welterweight Clash & Yan Santana-Cristian Cruz Featherweight Battle Added to Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright II Card LIVE on DAZN
, Wed, 22 Apr 2026World Super Flyweight contender John ‘Scrappy’ Ramirez waiting for Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez’ final decision
, Wed, 22 Apr 2026Former champ Lawrence Okolie tested positive in VADA testing
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 22 Apr 2026Salim Ellis-Bey Secures Win for Team USA on Day One of World Boxing Cup - Stage 1
, Wed, 22 Apr 2026Garcia, Young, Gatus banner tough field in 20th Philippine Xiangqi Open Tournament on May 1
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 22 Apr 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION APRIL 20 APRIL 2026: Baumgardner Outpoints Shin, Retains IBF/WBA/WBO 130 Lb Titles; Daniels Stops Green in 9; Lorente SD Collins in WBC Welter Eliminator
By Eric Armit, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Year of Memories Between the Ring and Faith
By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026High Stakes in Ufa: Subkhankulov and Usmonov Clash for IBF #2 Spot
By Dong Secuya, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Elorde Jr. is new PBF president
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Ancajas wins 1st bout as feather
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Ito knockouts Lerasan in 1st round
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Kristian ‘KP’ Prenga developing into Albanian heavyweight boxing GOAT
, Tue, 21 Apr 2026IIEE PSME Quezon City Simba’s Tribe amazed with GAB Chairman Rivera’s advocacy for chess players
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026‘CALM’ PERO READY TO FACE MILLER’S FIRE
, Tue, 21 Apr 2026Hall of Famer Rafael Marquez's son Aaron wins professional debut
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Top Super Featherweights Tsendy Erdenebat & Cobia Breedy Battle in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’ at Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
, Tue, 21 Apr 2026Registration Now Open for the Return of the Butterfly Brawl at the Iconic Santa Monica Pier – August 22, 2026
, Tue, 21 Apr 2026Brackets Set for USA Boxing Elite High Performance Team at World Boxing Cup - Stage One
, Tue, 21 Apr 2026Team Altagracia Primus Praedia Land Holding champ in Pacquiao chess
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 21 Apr 20262-Division World Champion Daniel Ponce De León Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
, Tue, 21 Apr 20262026 NBA Playoffs: First Round Game 1 Recap
By Reylan Loberternos, , Mon, 20 Apr 2026FIDE Master Ivan Travis Cu gains a total of 36 rating points, bringing his FIDE rating to 2321 by May after completing 2 chess tournaments in Spain
By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 20 Apr 2026Irish super middleweight prospect Tommy ‘The Governor’ Hyde Improves to 15-0 with 10th KO
, Mon, 20 Apr 2026IBA Bare-Knuckle Director attends historic Gambian Elite National Championships
, Sun, 19 Apr 2026Rosales stops Obedencio in RFL 4
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 19 Apr 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
