Inoue, Tapales Make Weight

By Carlos Costa

Sensational Japanese super star Naoya Inoue and Filipino champ Marlon Tapales beat the scale this morning in Japan, both men easily making weight, looking strong and ready for their exciting thriller.

Naoya made 55.2 kilos, looking awesome, while the Pinoy unified champion came in at 55 even, leaving it all set for tomorrow at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.

Odd-makers, as well as analysts and fans see Naoya Inoue as the super favorite to win the contest, likely via stoppage, to claim his second UNDISPUTED belt, a feat likely to elevate him to the top of the P4P list.

Should he win the day, the 30-year-old from Yokohama plans to stay at bantamweights, making more defenses throughout 2024 with possibilities to get into featherweights in 2025.

Within 2024, is likely that “Monster” would want to rumble former champs Luis Nery and John Riel Casimero.

Nery, the big hard-hitting slugger from Mexico is the mandatory challenger for the WBC, while Casimero is an old name that keeps on popping up.

In fact, Inoue and Casimero where scheduled to fight, but the rumble had to be cancelled..

Fantastic plans for Naoya Inoe, who keeps on gaining fans around the world.

But for plans to unfold, the cool Japanese champion needs to score a victory over the 31 year old “Nightmare” Marlon Tapales (37-3, 19 KO’s), a 2-division champion from Lanao del Norte in Southern Philippines, a fighter of experience and skills who knows no fear.

Will Naoya Inoue (25-0, 22 KO’s), score another SENSATIONAL win, like his second victory over Donaire, or his classic wins over Butler, Dasmariñas, Rodriguez and Moloney?

Or will Tapales spoil Naoya’s outstanding plans?

The exciting fight will air live on ESPN in the USA at 3 am ET, as well as on Lemino TV in Japan at 5 pm (Japan Time).

Boxing fans in Thailand may watch in HD on PPTV Channel 36 at 6 pm (Thai Time)

May the Best Man Win!