WILL Marlon Tapales be celebrated undefeated Japanese prizefighter Naoya Inoue’s worst “nightmare?”
Known by his daunting moniker “Nightmare,” Tapales will try to be the first boxer to vanquish the seemingly invincible Inoue, who is undefeated in 25 fights (22 KOs), when they tangle for the unified world super bantamweight crown on Dec. 26 at the 15,000-seat Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
Exuding calm confidence in his light workout yesterday at the Elorde Plus gym in Paranaque, Tapales, manager JC Manangcquil of Sanman Promotions, and trainer Ernel Fontanilla will leave at 8 a.m. today aboard a Philippine Airlines for the Japanese capital.
“Hindi ako takot kay Inoue,” the 31-year-old southpaw, who has 37 wins, including 19 by knockout, against three losses, said without a batting an eyelash when asked about his edge over the Japanese fighter known as the “Monster.”
“There is a tendency to overlook Marlon in this fight. In fact, we hear Inoue’s camp talking about his next opponent. They are seriously mistaken,” American MP Promotions chief Sean Gibbons, who was present during the public workout, said.
Manangcquil said their training camp for six weeks at high-altitude in Baguio did a world of good for Tapales as they brace for bone-chilling conditions in Tokyo.
“We will be ready for Naoya,” warned Manangcquil with a hint of menace in his voice.
