Marlon Tapales

Early Life and Amateur Career

 

Marlon Tapales, born on March 23, 1992, in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines, exhibited a natural affinity for boxing from a young age. Growing up in a region where boxing was a popular sport, Tapales was inspired by local champions and the rich boxing culture around him. His passion for the sport was evident early on, and he began training seriously at the age of 10 under the guidance of his father, who was also a boxing enthusiast. Tapales’s amateur career was marked by rapid progress and significant achievements. One of his earliest notable victories came in 2006 when he won the Philippine National Youth Championships in the flyweight division at just 14 years old. This victory established him as a rising star in the national boxing scene and opened doors for more competitive opportunities.

 

In 2008, Tapales further demonstrated his prowess by clinching the gold medal at the Philippine National Games. Competing against the best amateur boxers in the country, his performance showcased his skill, speed, and determination. This achievement was a crucial milestone in his career, highlighting his potential to succeed on larger stages. Tapales’s international debut came in 2009 when he represented the Philippines at the Asian Junior Boxing Championships held in Tehran, Iran. Although he faced tough competition, his participation in this prestigious event provided invaluable experience and exposure to international boxing styles and strategies.

 

One of the significant turning points in Tapales’s amateur career was his participation in the 2010 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan. Competing against some of the most talented young boxers globally, Tapales displayed exceptional skill and resilience. Although he did not medal, his performance against higher-ranked opponents garnered attention and respect from the boxing community.

 

Professional Career

 

Tapales began his professional career on July 18, 2008, with a first-round TKO victory over Nestor Gamolo at Barangay Maranding in Lala, Lanao del Norte, Philippines. This early win set the tone for his aggressive and skillful approach in the ring. One of his early notable victories came on April 9, 2010, when he won the Philippines GAB light-flyweight title by defeating Warlito Parrenas via a seventh-round TKO at the Mindanao Civic Center Gymnasium in Tubod, Lanao del Norte. This victory was a turning point, setting the stage for his future successes.

 

On July 27, 2016, Tapales achieved a major milestone by winning the WBO bantamweight title against Pungluang Sor Singyu in Ayutthaya, Thailand. In a thrilling match, Tapales secured a knockout victory in the eleventh round, showcasing his power and endurance. This win significantly boosted his profile on the international boxing scene. Tapales’s career continued to rise with a series of impressive victories. He defended his WBO bantamweight title on April 23, 2017, against Shohei Omori in Osaka, Japan. Despite missing weight and losing the chance to retain the title, Tapales dominated the fight, winning by TKO in the eleventh round. His ability to perform under pressure and against strong opponents became a hallmark of his career.

 

In 2019, Tapales faced Ryosuke Iwasa for the vacant IBF interim super-bantamweight title at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Although he lost the bout via an eleventh-round TKO, Tapales’s performance was commendable, and he continued to be a respected contender in the division. Tapales’s resilience was evident as he bounced back with several key victories. On November 21, 2020, he defeated Eden Sonsona by TKO in the second round at the Sanman Gym in General Santos, Philippines. This victory was followed by another TKO win against Hiroaki Teshigawara on December 11, 2021, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

 

One of the highlights of Tapales’s career came on April 8, 2023, when he won the WBA (Super) and IBF super-bantamweight titles by defeating Murodjon Akhmadaliev via split decision at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas. This victory solidified his status as a top fighter in the super-bantamweight division. However, Tapales faced a challenging bout on December 26, 2023, against Naoya Inoue at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Competing for multiple titles, including the WBA (Super), IBF, WBC, WBO, and vacant The Ring super-bantamweight titles, Tapales lost by knockout in the tenth round. Despite the loss, his willingness to face top-tier opponents showcased his courage and competitive spirit.

 

Most recently, on May 10, 2024, Tapales won the vacant ABCO Continental super-bantamweight title by defeating Nattapong Jankaew via a first-round TKO at the Midas Hotel and Casino in Pasay, Philippines. This victory demonstrated Tapales’s enduring skill and determination to continue his successful career in boxing.