Naoya Inoue Faces Marlon Tapales With Undisputed on the Line
Naoya Inoue (25-0, 22 KOs) is widely tipped to become the undisputed super bantamweight champion, but Marlon Tapales (37-3, 19 KOs) is keen on ensuring that does not happen.
The two face each other in the main event of a card at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Appropriately enough, their clash will occur on Boxing Day (Tuesday, Dec. 26). Viewers in the United States can catch the action live on ESPN+ beginning at 3 a.m. ET.
Naoya Inoue Looking To Be Two-Time Undisputed
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Naoya Inoue Dominates
Inoue has had a taste of being undisputed prior to this bout. In December 2022, he claimed that status at bantamweight with an eleventh-round knockout of Paul Butler, also at the Ariake Arena. The “Monster” was dominant from start to finish as his English opponent adopted a passive approach to the fight. This allowed Inoue to land almost at will before Butler finally wilted under the pressure.
Following that win, Inoue announced that he would move up in weight. His first clash at the super bantamweight limit saw him dominate Stephen Fulton before stopping the American in round eight. That win allowed the Japanese fighter to add the WBC and WBO belts to his collection – while helping set up a showdown with Tapales.
Can the ‘Maranding Nightmare’ Spring a Surprise?
In 2016, Tapales came back from being down twice in round five to knock out Panya Uthok in the eleventh. This win gave him his first world title victory as he claimed the WBO bantamweight belt. It also showed that he has the determination to mount a comeback. Despite beating Shohei Omori in his next fight, the Filipino lost the title due to not making weight.
Tapales next fought for a full world title when he took on Murodjon Akhmadaliev, shocking many as he claimed a split decision win. He added the IBF and WBA belts to his collection of titles with the victory. The “Maranding Nightmare” has shown boxing fans that he has the ability to upset the odds. The final question is whether he can do it again against an opponent like Inoue.
On Boxing Day, fight fans will soon find out.
