By MARK REY MONTEJO
Marlon Tapales knows he carries a big mission when he goes up against Japanese Naoya Inoue for the undisputed junior featherweight crown on Dec. 26 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
He’s also fully aware of the dangers lurking around in taking on a tested opponent known as “The Monster” for his great timing, speed and power punching.
Still, Tapales is unfazed by Inoue’s impressive resume, including beating the legendary Nonito Donaire twice.
Before leaving for Tokyo, Tapales took time out to share his thoughts regarding his fight to select sports scribes.
He said: “Of course, di naman tayo kumpiyansa, si Inoue yung kalaban natin, pero gagawin ko po ang lahat ng makakaya ko na malampasan ko si Inoue, hindi sya basta-basta pero papakita ko sa kanya na lalaban ako,” Tapales said on Monday, Dec. 18, in his workout at the Elorde Plus Gym in Parañaque City.
He even joked that Inoue’s only advantage against him is his good looks.
“Siguro mas gwapo sya saken no’ng konti,” Tapales said.
The prize fighter from Tubod, Lanao del Norte, who owns a 37-3 win-loss record, is eyeing to become the first fighter to deal him his first defeat.
Inoue holds a pristine record, winning all his 25 fights, including 22 by knockouts.
Tapales was triumphant in his last fight over Uzbekistan’s Murodjon Akhmadaliev in April, earning two super bantamweight crowns via a split decision.
Tapales said he got tips from no less than Donaire on how to deal with the Japanese superstar and is hopeful he would emerge victorious after their fight.
“Nakausap ko si Nonito (Donaire) nung laban palang namin ni (Murodjon) Akhmadaliev ‘yon nagbigay sya sakin ng payo kasi nagkita kami sa Top Rank Gym,” Tapales stressed.
“Sabi nya na wag daw ako masyadong kumpiyansa tyaka of course train hard, taas lagi kamay,” he added.
