FILE–The Philippines’ WBA and IBF tremendous bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales. AFP
Marlon Tapales, who has gained championships in two divisions, made weight on Saturday, bringing him nearer to the world title dialog.
Tapales weighed in at 121.2 kilos, whereas his Indonesian foe Jon Jon Jet barely heavier at 121.4 forward of their 10-round conflict for the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) Worldwide Tremendous Bantamweight Silver title at Venue 88 in Normal Santos Metropolis, the Filipino fighter’s outdated stomping grounds.
“I’m pleased that I’m in a position to combat once more—this time in GenSan,” Tapales informed the Inquirer in Filipino. “It’s been some time since I fought right here, which makes me much more motivated to win.”
With a 39-4 professional report and 20 knockouts to point out, Tapales is sustaining a lofty billing in three worldwide boxing our bodies. He’s presently rated No. 2 by the WBC, No. 3 by the Worldwide Boxing Federation and No. 5 by the World Boxing Affiliation.
Relative hazard
A victory on Sunday ought to assist Tapales, who misplaced to the prolific Naoya Inoue final 12 months, protect his excessive scores whereas protecting him related within the ever-shifting panorama of the game.
“We’re protecting Marlon prepared in order that when a possibility comes and he’s given a world title shot, he’d be freed from rust,” mentioned Sanman Boxing’s JC Manangquil. “And hopefully, we get that shot this 12 months.”
Tapales’ project, whose actual title is Yohanis Mau Fatin, poses relative hazard as he’s coming into the conflict with fairly the momentum after stringing up 5 straight victories.
However the southpaw from Lanao del Norte is teeming with self-assurance.
“I’m very assured, however I’m additionally not one to underestimate anyone,” mentioned Tapales. “The plan is to remain energetic, and hopefully this results in a title shot by the top of the 12 months.”
“I nonetheless dream of turning into a three-division world champion, so that is doing further work and coaching,” he added.
Sharing the primary occasion highlight is one other Filipino, Joey Canoy, who tackles Minh Phat Sam of Vietnam in one other 10-rounder for the WBC Worldwide Minimumweight crown. INQ
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