Marlon Tapales
Tapales in 2025 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
Nickname | Nightmare |
| Born | March 23, 1992 Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm)[1] |
| Weight | |
| Boxing career | |
| Reach | 65 in (165 cm)[1] |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 45 |
| Wins | 41 |
| Win by KO | 22 |
| Losses | 4 |
Marlon Tañan Tapales (born March 23, 1992) is a Filipino professional boxer. He has held world championships in two weight classes, including the World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight title from 2016 to 2017 and the unified World Boxing Association (WBA) (Super version) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-bantamweight titles in 2023.
Professional career
WBO bantamweight champion
Tapales vs. Sor Singyu
In 2016, Tapales defeated WBO bantamweight champion Pungluang Sor Singyu by KO in the eleventh round and won his first world title.[2][3]
Tapales vs. Iwasa
On 7 December 2019, Tapales fought Ryosuke Iwasa for the vacant IBF super bantamweight title. During the fight Tapales suffered a concussion because of accidental head-clash. But the fight continued and Iwasa won via an eleventh-round TKO.[4]
Tapales vs. Teshigawara
On 11 December 2021, Tapales fought Teshigawara, ranked #3 by the IBF at super bantamweight. Tapales managed to stop Teshigawara within two rounds.[5]
Unified WBA(super) and IBF super bantamweight champion
Tapales vs. Akhmadaliev
On 8 April 2023, Tapales beat Murodjon Akhmadaliev via split decision to win the WBA (Super) and IBF super-bantamweight world titles and became a 2 weight world champion.[6]
Undisputed super bantamweight title fight
Tapales vs. Inoue
On August 21, 2023, it was reported that Tapales had entered into negotiations with the unified WBC and WBO super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue for an undisputed title bout.[7] The fight is expected to take place at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan on 26 December 2023, and would be broadcast by ESPN+ in the United States.[8][9] Tapales lost the fight by 10th round knockout against Inoue earning his fourth defeat. Despite the loss, however, Tapales made history for being the first Filipino boxer to fight for undisputed in the 4-belt era, and the second Asian to do so.
Thrilla in Manila: 50th Anniversary
After three consecutive victories Tapales is scheduled to fight Venezuelan boxer Fernando Toro on October 29, 2025, with the collaborations of Blow by Blow, MP Promotions, and the International Boxing Association setting the event billed as Thrilla in Manila: 50th Anniversay. It is meant as the 50th anniversary commemoration of the original Thrilla in Manila 1975 fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier at the Araneta Coliseum, Quezon city, Philippines.[10][11]
Professional boxing record
| 45 fights | 41 wins | 4 losses |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 22 | 3 |
| By decision | 19 | 1 |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | Win | 41–4 | Fernando Toro | KO | 6 (8), 2:31 | Oct 29, 2025 | Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, National Capital Region, Philippines | |
| 44 | Win | 40–4 | Jon Jon Jet | RTD | 3 (10), 3:00 | Apr 27, 2025 | Venue 88, General Santos, South Cotabato, Philippines | Won vacant WBC International Silver super-bantamweight title |
| 43 | Win | 39–4 | Saurabh Kumar | UD | 10 | Sep 7, 2024 | Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Retained WBC-ABCO Continental super-bantamweight title |
| 42 | Win | 38–4 | Nattapong Jankaew | KO | 1 (10), 2:15 | May 10, 2024 | Midas Hotel and Casino, Pasay, National Capital Region, Philippines | Won vacant WBC-ABCO Continental super-bantamweight title |
| 41 | Loss | 37–4 | Naoya Inoue | KO | 10 (12), 1:02 | Dec 26, 2023 | Ariake Arena, Tokyo, Japan | Lost WBA (Super) and IBF super-bantamweight titles; For WBC, WBO, and vacant The Ring super-bantamweight titles |
| 40 | Win | 37–3 | Murodjon Akhmadaliev | SD | 12 | Apr 8, 2023 | Boeing Center at Tech Port, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. | Won WBA (Super) and IBF super-bantamweight titles |
| 39 | Win | 36–3 | Jose Estrella | KO | 2 (8), 1:39 | May 14, 2022 | Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California, U.S. | |
| 38 | Win | 35–3 | Hiroaki Teshigawara | TKO | 2 (12), 0:06 | Dec 11, 2021 | Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California, U.S. | |
| 37 | Win | 34–3 | Eden Sonsona | TKO | 2 (10), 0:46 | Nov 21, 2020 | Sanman Gym, General Santos, South Cotabato, Philippines | |
| 36 | Loss | 33–3 | Ryosuke Iwasa | TKO | 11 (12), 1:09 | Dec 7, 2019 | Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, U.S. | For vacant IBF interim super-bantamweight title |
| 35 | Win | 33–2 | Roberto Castaneda | KO | 3 (10), 1:37 | Jun 1, 2019 | Soboba Casino, San Jacinto, California, U.S. | |
| 34 | Win | 32–2 | Fernando Vargas Parra | RTD | 5 (10), 3:00 | Feb 16, 2019 | Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles, California, U.S. | |
| 33 | Win | 31–2 | Goodluck Mrema | KO | 1 (10), 2:10 | Sep 30, 2018 | SM North EDSA Skydome, Quezon City, National Capital Region, Philippines | |
| 32 | Win | 30–2 | Shohei Omori | TKO | 11 (12), 0:16 | Apr 23, 2017 | Edion Arena Osaka, Osaka, Japan | WBO bantamweight title at stake only for Omori after Tapales missed weight |
| 31 | Win | 29–2 | Pungluang Sor Singyu | KO | 11 (12), 0:30 | Jul 27, 2016 | Ayutthaya City Park, Ayutthaya, Thailand | Won WBO bantamweight title |
| 30 | Win | 28–2 | Shohei Omori | TKO | 2 (12), 1:35 | Dec 16, 2015 | Shimazu Arena, Kyoto, Japan | |
| 29 | Win | 27–2 | Jecker Buhawe | UD | 10 | Jan 31, 2015 | USeP Gymnasium, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines | |
| 28 | Win | 26–2 | Fadhili Majiha | UD | 12 | Jun 28, 2014 | Mindanao Civic Center Gymnasium, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines | Retained WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight title |
| 27 | Win | 25–2 | Hayato Kimura | TD | 5 (10), 1:40 | Apr 13, 2014 | Sangyo Hall, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan | |
| 26 | Win | 24–2 | Galih Susanto | UD | 10 | Feb 8, 2014 | Almendras Gym, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines | |
| 25 | Win | 23–2 | Fredirex Rodriguez | UD | 12 | Aug 1, 2013 | Waterfront Hotel & Casino, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines | Won WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight title |
| 24 | Win | 22–2 | Ruben Manakane | TKO | 4 (10), 2:17 | May 26, 2013 | Sangyo Hall, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan | |
| 23 | Loss | 21–2 | David Sánchez | MD | 12 | Feb 23, 2013 | Gimnasio del Estado, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico | For vacant WBC interim Silver super flyweight title |
| 22 | Win | 21–1 | Rasmanudin | KO | 2 (8), 1:10 | Oct 20, 2012 | SM Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay, National Capital Region, Philippines | |
| 21 | Win | 20–1 | Rex Olisa | TKO | 3 (10), 1:41 | Nov 17, 2011 | Flores Auditorium, Barangay Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte, Philippines | |
| 20 | Win | 19–1 | Martin Mubiru | UD | 10 | Oct 9, 2011 | Panphil B. Frasco Memorial Sports Complex, Liloan, Cebu, Philippines | |
| 19 | Win | 18–1 | Manot Comput | KO | 4 (10), 1:50 | Jun 25, 2011 | Mindanao Civic Center Gymnasium, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines | |
| 18 | Win | 17–1 | Alejandro Solorio | MD | 6 | May 6, 2011 | Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. | |
| 17 | Win | 16–1 | Charlie Cabilla | KO | 1 (10), 2:46 | Feb 6, 2011 | Dalaguete Sports Complex, Dalaguete, Cebu, Philippines | |
| 16 | Win | 15–1 | Rey Megrino | UD | 10 | Nov 5, 2010 | Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig, National Capital Region, Philippines | |
| 15 | Win | 14–1 | Richard Olisa | UD | 10 | Oct 6, 2010 | Glan, Sarangani, Philippines | |
| 14 | Win | 13–1 | Charlie Cabilla | UD | 12 | Jun 12, 2010 | Vitaliano D. Agan Coliseum, Barangay Tetuan, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines | Retained Philippines GAB light-flyweight title |
| 13 | Win | 12–1 | Warlito Parrenas | TKO | 7 (12), 1:19 | Apr 9, 2010 | Mindanao Civic Center Gymnasium, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines | Won Philippines GAB light-flyweight title |
| 12 | Win | 11–1 | Randy Petalcorin | TKO | 2 (8), 2:50 | Jan 23, 2010 | Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay, National Capital Region, Philippines | |
| 11 | Win | 10–1 | Armando de la Cruz | UD | 10 | Nov 8, 2009 | Barangay Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte, Philippines | |
| 10 | Win | 9–1 | Jerson Mancio | UD | 10 | Aug 29, 2009 | Provincial Capitol Grounds, Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines | |
| 9 | Loss | 8–1 | Brix Ray | RTD | 6 (10), 3:00 | May 30, 2009 | City Auditorium, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, Philippines | For Philippines Boxing Federation (PBF) flyweight title |
| 8 | Win | 8–0 | Michael Rodriguez | UD | 10 | Apr 19, 2009 | Mahinog Gym, Mahinog, Camiguin, Philippines | |
| 7 | Win | 7–0 | Rodel Tejares | UD | 10 | Mar 25, 2009 | Barangay Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte, Philippines | |
| 6 | Win | 6–0 | Ryan Tampus | UD | 8 | Jan 15, 2009 | Maasim, Sarangani, Philippines | |
| 5 | Win | 5–0 | Charlie Lamila | TKO | 1 (6), 2:37 |
Dec 27, 2008 | Christ the King Gym, Barangay Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte, Philippines | |
| 4 | Win | 4–0 | Freddie Martinez | UD | 6 | Nov 19, 2008 | Barangay Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte, Philippines | |
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Jherom Tuyor | UD | 6 | Sep 20, 2008 | Teachers Gym, Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines | |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Sherwin McDo Lungay | MD | 4 | Aug 23, 2008 | BS Gym, Barangay Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte, Philippines | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Nestor Gamolo | TKO | 1 (4), 0:54 | Jul 18, 2008 | Barangay Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte, Philippines |
See also
- List of southpaw stance boxers
- List of world bantamweight boxing champions
- List of world super-bantamweight boxing champions
- List of Filipino boxing world champions
References
- ^ a b "Marlon Tapales". World Boxing Association. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
- ^ Salazar, Francisco (2014-06-20). "Marlon Tapales wins WBO bantamweight title – The Ring". Ringtv.com. Retrieved 2016-10-07.
- ^ Salazar, Francisco (2014-06-20). "Marlon Tapales' upward struggle – The Ring". Ringtv.com. Retrieved 2016-10-07.
- ^ Idec, Keith (7 December 2019). "Ryosuke Iwasa Drops, Stops Marlon Tapales in Eleventh". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 2022-03-24.
- ^ "Donaire-Gaballo undercard: Marlon Tapales stops Hiroaki Teshigawara in two rounds". The Ring. 2021-12-12. Retrieved 2022-03-24.
- ^ "Marlon Tapales Shocks Murodjon Akhmadaliev Via Split Decision, Wins WBA/IBF Titles". Boxingscene. 2023-04-08. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
- ^ Donovan, Jake (21 August 2023). "Inoue-Tapales: Talks Ongoing For Targeted Undisputed Championship In December". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ^ Donovan, Jake (2023-10-25). "Naoya Inoue vs. Marlon Tapales Official For December 26 in Tokyo, ESPN+". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- ^ Stumberg, Patrick L. (2023-10-25). "Naoya Inoue vs Marlon Tapales official for December 26th in Tokyo". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- ^ Villaruel, Emmanuel (1 September 2025). "Jerusalem upbeat on defending WBC throne before home fans". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
- ^ "Apo ni Muhammad Ali, sasabak sa 'Thrilla In Manila' Anniversary event sa October 29, 2025" [Muhammad Ali's grandson, will fight in ‘Thrilla In Manila’ Anniversary event on October 29, 2025]. Balitambayan (in Filipino). GMA News. 30 August 2025. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
External links
- Boxing record for Marlon Tapales from BoxRec (registration required)
- Marlon Tapales - Profile, News Archive & Current Rankings at Box.Live