Marlon Tapales Wants to Become the First Filipino “Undisputed Champion”
Filipino boxer Marlon “Nigthmare” Tapales eyes to become the first Filipino “undisputed champion” by defeating Japan’s Naoya Inoue.
Tonight, on December 26, 2023, at the Ariake Arena in Koto City, Tokyo, the 31-year-old Filipino fighter is set to face Japanese sensation Naoya Inoue in a unification match at 122 pounds. The scheduled 12-round bout puts at stake all four super-bantamweight championship belts.
It’s a rare occasion when a single bout sees the line for all four titles. Tapales, currently holding the WBA and IBF super bantamweight titles, aims to make history by becoming the first Filipino boxer to achieve ‘undisputed champion’ status, should he overcome the undefeated Japanese fighter.
This presents a golden opportunity for Tapales to stand as the first unified champion from the Philippines, a nation with a rich history of producing exceptional boxers. Notably, no Filipino, including the likes of Manny Pacquiao or Gabriel “Flash” Elorde from the bygone era, has held the undisputed champion title.
Tapales (37-3, 19KOs) has meticulously prepared for this moment, conducting his training in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the United States, and Baguio City in the Philippines. He is poised to create history, aiming to become not only the first undisputed Filipino champion in a division but also the first boxer to defeat the unbeaten Japanese champion, who has triumphed over several Filipino opponents, including four-division World titlist Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire.
Expressing his desire to become a two-division undisputed titlist, akin to welterweight king Terence “Bud” Crawford, Tapales contemplates the possibility of a knockout, given Inoue’s reputation as a powerful puncher, based on the report.
“I want to [battle] Naoya Inoue (for) 12 rounds because I want to enjoy and feel the punch of ‘The Monster’ [who they] say is very strong. If I have a chance to knock him out, of course, I’ll knock him out,” ayon kay Tapales sa inilabas na video ng Top Rank Boxing. “I know what’s in my mind: I wanna go down as the first undisputed Filipino champion.”
Tapales has openly acknowledged that he could be a formidable challenge for Inoue, capable of ending his impressive winning streak and avenging the defeats of many Filipino boxers. The 5-foot-4 southpaw emphasizes that he approaches the match without intimidation, ready to capitalize on any openings or weaknesses he observes in Inoue’s game.
What are your thoughts on this article? Just feel free to leave your reactions in the comment section.