Tapales starts slow but move fast

REIGNING IBF World and WBA Super World super bantamweight champion Marlon “Nightmare” Tapales has started slow but has shown his fast move in his first sparring session in Baguio City.

The 31-year-old Tapales has sparred with orthodox Herlan “Nino Bonito” Gomez and Jon Jon “Wolverine” Estrada last November 8 at the Shape Up Boxing Gym in Baguio City.

“It's okay, my punches (against Tapales) almost didn't hit, but it's okay, the champ moved fast,” said the 34-year-old Estrada, one of the orthodox boxers hired by Tapales.

Estrada and Gomez each had three rounds in the first sparring session.

“Champ Tapales is really in good condition today, fast and strong in strategy. It's a great experience for me to be able to spar with a world champion,” said the 24-year-old Gomez.

They first started slow in sparring to determine each other's moves.

“The sparring is a little bit slow, of course, since the training has started. But next week, they will be able to adjust to it,” said veteran Francisco Jaro, trainer of Gomez.

The third sparring partner will be Vincent “Asero” Astrolabio under Nonoy Neri of MP Pacquio Team, who will still come from Davao City next week.

Tapales and his team composed of manager JC Manangquil, trainer Ernel “Assassin” Fontanilla and secretary Ramon Falgui will leave one week before the day of the fight night for Japan.

He will face for the unification title fight against WBC and WBO World super bantamweight champion Naoya “Monster” Inoue on December 26 at Ariake Arena in Koto-Ku, Tokyo.

Photo: IBF and WBA Super World super world bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales (center) with his trainer Ernel Fontanilla (left) and Herlan Gomez' trainer Francisco Jaro.