CEBU, Philippines – When Filipino boxer Marlon ‘The Nightmare’ Tapales became a world champion last year, he pulled off the feat in style.
Fighting with a heart as valiant as a battle-scarred gladiator, Tapales bucked two knockdowns in round five, then showed great recuperative powers to batter two-division world titlist Pungluang Sor Singyu of Thailand into submission in the 11th round and snatch the WBO bantamweight title behind enemly lines in July 2016.
Nine months later, the 25-year-old Tapales is set to defend his throne for the first time against Japanese Shohei Omori, his former knockout victim.
But even before he could climb into the ring, the pride of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte has already been stripped of his belt for failing to make the contracted weight limit of 118 lbs. during the weigh-in on the eve of his rematch with Omori last Sunday at the Edion Arena in Osaka, Japan.
With his energy zapped in a failed attempt to shed extra poundage that aggravated his nearly a weekly of strict diet, Tapales may have felt weak but his spirits remain high in pursuit of salvaging a little bit of personal pride to somehow ease his misfortune.
And that’s exactly what he did. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:
With all odds stuck against him, Tapales showed great resolve in battling through tough rounds on the way to stop Omori in the 11th round that silenced the once boisterous Japanese crowd.
He may not have claimed back his crown but Tapales definitely earned a certain measure of respect for being an epitome of courage even in the face of adversity.
“We really did not expect that he will lose his title on the scales. But that’s part of the game and we can’t do nothing about it. It’s already there and we have to move on,” said Rex “Wakee” Salud, the promoter of Tapales. “Out of what had happened, it made me admire him (Tapales) more because of his courage. Even though he’s very weak and dehydrated, he was still able to give his best and win the fight. He’s truly admirable.”
With a good number of fans congratulating him during a simple victory dinner in his honor upon his arrival last Monday night, Tapales still felt like a king albeit without a crown this time.
Tapales, who needed only two rounds to dismantle Omori during their first meeting two years ago, said he felt sad after being stripped of his title but giving up did not ever cross his mind.
“I was really saddened by what had happened. Losing my belt even before I could fight pains me a lot,” said Tapales in vernacular. “But I set it aside from my mind. I didn’t mind even if I felt weak going into the fight because I want to win badly. I already lost my belt and it would be an added blow to me if I lose.”
“To my fans, thank you for all the support and sorry if somehow I have disappointed you. I promise to come back stronger,” he added.
For now, Tapales said he will take a much-needed break that he will also use to ponder on his future. He revealed his immediate plan though that is to move up in weight.
“(I can’t make it anymore (as a bantamweight). I have to move up,” said Tapales.
He has Salud’s full support on that.
“We have to rechart his career. We will explore all possibilities but the best option we have right now is for Tapales to move up in weight,” said Salud. (FREEMAN)
