FILE – Marlon Tapales has his hand lifted by referee Jack Reiss after defeating Hiroaki Teshigawara by way of knockout at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 11, 2021 in Carson, California. Harry How/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines–Marlon Tapales is unfazed as he embarks on a challenge proven to be improbable so far: beat Naoya Inoue.
Not only is Inoue undefeated, the Japanese pound-for-pound king has been an invincible force with 22 of his 25 wins going inside the distance.
Still, Tapales is confident that he has what it takes to stop Inoue.
“I will be the Japanese Monster’s biggest nightmare this coming December at his own hometown,” said Tapales, who’s dubbed as “Nightmare,” in a story on BoxingScene.com. “So glad my everyday training always goes smoothly. My condition looks good, as well as my stamina, durability, punching power and quickness.”
“By December during the fight night, I will be better than ever. I will be ready to be Inoue’s worst nightmare.”
Filipino boxer Marlon Tapales and Japanese fighter Naoya Inoue. –TR BOXING
Tapales (37-3, 19KOs) and Inoue fight for the undisputed super bantamweight championship in a showdown likely to take place on December 26 in Tokyo, Japan.
“Marlon is known for his never give up attitude despite the tall odds,” MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons said. “He fights at any given situation, he adjusts, and never fear. He will be coming for the Monster.
The 31-year-old Tapales was also a heavy underdog when he stunned Uzbekistan’s Murodjon Akhmadaliev for the WBA (Super) and WBC belts last April.
“Marlon has been in Japan four times in his career, he is also 4 and 0, and he’s going to be 5 and 0 in Japan when he beats Inoue.”