CEBU CITY, Philippines —World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) world super bantamweight champion Marlon “Nightmare” Tapales went straight to his media day workout in Japan on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.
Tapales trained at no less than the Ohashi Boxing Gym in Tokyo which happens to be the home of his opponent, World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) world super bantamweight king Naoya “Monster” Inoue.
Tapales Media Day, public workout The 31-year-old Tapales (37W-3L, 19KOs) flew to Japan on Tuesday with his trainer Ernel Fontanilla and his promoter JC Mananquil after wrapping up their training camp in Baguio City for months.
Later on, his co-promoter and manager Sean Gibbons of Knuckleheads Boxing joined them at the Ohashi Boxing Gym for the media day and public workout.
The Filipino boxer didn’t hesitate to display his boxing skills in front of hordes of media six days before his much-awaited world title unification showdown against Inoue on December 26, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
Inoue media day Just two days ago, it was Inoue (25-0,22KOs) who hit the bags and did shadow boxing at the same gym during his own media day and public workout to promote his bout.
Tapales gamely did his boxing routine from jump ropes, heavy bags, mitts, and shadow boxing, while the media were busy snapping photos of him.
In previous interviews, Tapales displayed calmness amid the pressure of handing Inoue his first loss.
Tapales sparred for 3 months Also, he revealed that Tapales sparred for three months or more than a hundred rounds.
The Filipino boxer already reiterated that he wasn’t afraid of Inoue’s punching power.
He also received tips from four-division world champion Nonito Donaire Jr. who fought but lost to Inoue twice.
Also fighting in the undercard of this much-awaited unification showdown is Cebuano John Paul Gabunilas who will face Kanamu Sakama in an eight-rounder non-title bout.
