Two years ago, Marlon Tapales made his overseas debut and had to exert extra effort for a majority decision verdict against Alejandro Solorio in Las Vegas. This weekend, he will have to do better. Tapales (21W-1L, 7 KO?s) a.k.a. ?The Nightmare? will take on David ?Tornado? Sanchez (19W-2L-2D, 15 KO?s) of Mexico on February 23 at the Gimnasio del Estado in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.
This fight was initially set as a WBA super flyweight eliminator but RWS Promotions has confirmed news reports from Mexico that this fight will now be for the Silver belt of the World Boxing Council (WBC).
Despite his smooth counterpunching style and sharp ring instincts, the 20 year old southpaw from Lanao del Norte has remained under the radar. He has beaten three foreign fighters here at home ? Yodpichai Sithsaithong of Thailand (KO4), Martin Mubiru of Uganda (UD10) and Rasmanudin of Indonesia (KO2). But a Filipino prospect?s real value is gauged by how he performs against tough Latino fighters and if he can win a big fight on the road.
Tapales was training for a fight card in Liloan, Cebu, also set on the 23rd, against Danilo Pe?a. At the very least, he is in fighting shape.
A win will certainly boost his world ranking. But his cornermen will have to cram on their game plan against a Mexican prospect who will be boxing in front of his home fans and is also being groomed for a shot at the big time. Sanchez is on a hot streak, winning nine straight fights ? seven by the short route - since losing to countryman Mario Macias by split decision in 2010.
Photo: Marlon Tapales (R) walks to a neutral corner after downing Indonesia's Rasmanudin in his last outing.
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