Naoya Inoue vs Marlon Tapales

Naoya Inoue vs Marlon Tapales : Get ready for a thrilling Christmas clash between Naoya Inoue and Marlon Tapales as they vie for the undisputed super bantamweight title. Read predictions, odds, and a breakdown of the undercard matchups.As the year 2023 draws to a close, fans are eagerly anticipating a-Christmas clash between Naoya Inoue vs Marlon Tapales. Inoue, known as ‘The Monster,’ aims to secure his second four-belt undisputed title, this time in the super bantamweight category. The fight is scheduled to take place in Tokyo on Tuesday, promising an exhilarating showdown.

WBC and WBO titles

Inoue, currently holding the WBC and WBO titles, comes into this fight after a remarkable performance against Stephen Fulton. Displaying his exceptional skills, Inoue dominated Fulton before eventually securing a stoppage in the eighth round. Notably, this fight marked Inoue’s first appearance in the super bantamweight division, having previously claimed the WBO bantamweight title with a stoppage win over Paul Butler in December of 2022.

Worth mentioning is Inoue’s consistent progression through weight divisions throughout his undefeated 25-0 career. Since capturing the WBC junior flyweight title in 2014, Inoue has showcased his devastating power from 108 to 122 pounds, recording an impressive 22 knockouts along the way.

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Naoya Inoue vs Marlon Tapales

Marlon Tapales, on the other hand, is no stranger to high-stakes fights. Coming off an upset victory over Murodjon Akhmadaliev in April, Tapales secured the IBF and WBA world titles. However, controversy surrounded this win, with one scorecard favoring Akhmadaliev, suggesting a potentially different outcome.

Tapales previously became a world champion in 2017 by defeating Shohei Omori to claim the WBO bantamweight title. Since then, he has moved between weight divisions before securing this long-awaited clash with Akhmadaliev.

Following Inoue’s convincing win over Fulton, Tapales quickly emerged as the next opponent in line. Stepping into the ring for a respectful faceoff with the Japanese superstar, Tapales expressed his confidence in this highly anticipated bout.

Tapales stated in an interview

“While I regard Naoya as a skilled and intelligent boxer,” Tapales stated in an interview with BoxingScene, “I have put in tremendous effort during my training camp in Las Vegas and the Philippines, preparing for this moment. Despite being labeled as the underdog by oddsmakers, I remain unfazed. The outcome will defy their expectations.”

The undercard also promises exciting matchups in the lower weight classes. Bantamweights Seiya Tsutsumi and Kazuki Anaughci are set to go head-to-head in an intense contest. Additionally, flyweights Kanamu Sakama and John Paul Gabunilas will showcase their skills on the main card. Fans can also look forward to a featured super bantamweight bout between Yoshiki Takei and Mario Diaz Maldonado.

Naoya Inoue vs Marlon Tapales Fight Card: Undercard Breakdown and Predictions

As the highly anticipated Inoue vs Tapales main event approaches, it’s essential to examine the undercard matchups and the latest odds before making predictions. Here’s a comprehensive look at the fight card:

FAVORITE	UNDERDOG	WEIGHT CLASS
Naoya Inoue (c) -1400	Marlon Tapales (c) +800	Undisputed super bantamweight title
Seiya Tsutsumi	Kazuki Anaguchi	Bantamweight
Kanamu Sakama	John Paul Gabunilas	Flyweight
Yoshiki Takei	Mario Diaz Maldonado	Super bantamweight

Viewing Information:

• Date: Dec. 26
• Location: Ariake Arena — Tokyo
• Start Time: 3 a.m. ET (Main event around 6 a.m. ET)
• How to Watch: ESPN+

Prediction:

The odds reflect Marlon Tapales as a significant +800 underdog, not indicative of his skills but rather a recognition of Naoya Inoue’s exceptional prowess, placing him among the top two pound-for-pound fighters globally. Inoue’s recent dominance over Fulton showcased his extraordinary attributes—blazing speed, crushing power, and underrated technical proficiency.

Tapales, having experienced setbacks, notably against Ryosuke Iwasa, lacks the daunting power that Inoue brings to the ring. While Tapales will undoubtedly bring intensity, envisioning a genuine path to victory appears challenging unless Inoue experiences an unprecedented off night. The critical question is whether Tapales can secure a moral victory by enduring 12 full rounds without being stopped—a feat that seems unlikely given Inoue’s unmatched skills.

In summary, the undercard promises thrilling matchups, but the main focus remains on whether Tapales can defy the odds against the formidable Inoue. Boxing enthusiasts can catch all the action on ESPN+ on December 26, starting at 3 a.m. ET.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the clash between Naoya Inoue and Marlon Tapales in the super bantamweight division is set to deliver an unforgettable spectacle. With their respective titles and skills on the line, both fighters are determined to claim victory. As observers eagerly await the outcome, the only certainty is that this matchup will be one for the record books.

External Links:

1. ESPN+
2. BoxingScene
3. WBC – World Boxing Council
4. WBO – World Boxing Organization
5. IBF – International Boxing Federation
6. WBA – World Boxing Association

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