TAPALES-INOUE TITLE FIGHT CANCELED
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 18 Nov 2016
Tapales.
CEBU ? The WBO world bantamweight title fight between defending champion Marlon Tapales of the Philippines and challenger Takuma Inoue of Japan scheduled on Dec. 30 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, has been canceled, Tapales's manager Rex 'Wakee' Salud has informed Philboxing.
?The Japanese promoter was not able to get a TV sponsor for the fight,? Salud said. ?They (Japanese TV) think it's a mismatch.?
Takuma, 20, the younger brother of WBO super flyweight champion Naoya Inoue, is undefeated but has only 8 fights as a pro with 2 wins inside the distance. He is rated No. 7 by the WBO in the bantamweight division. His last fight was against Filipino contender Froilan Saludar last Sep. 4 in Kanagawa, Japan which he won by unanimous decision. His credentials however, failed to impress the TV sponsors.
Tapales (29-2-0, 12KOs) won the WBO world bantamweight title from Punluang Sor Singyo of Thailand last July 27 in Ayutthaya, Thailand and is in the middle of intense preparation for the Dec. 30 fight at Salud's gym here. He has been sparring regularly with stablemate Neil John Tabanao.
?The Japanese promoter wants to postpone the fight but I don't want Marlon's preparation to go to waste,? said Salud who confided that he has several pending offers for Tapales including against one of promoter Al Haymon's boxers, one in Ireland and one in South Africa.
?Next week, I should know who will be Marlon's next opponent, where and when,? Salud said.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Donaire back in Cebu
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 23 Jan 2026MURATALLA VS. CRUZ IN LAS VEGAS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 23 Jan 2026Four Pinoys in line for title shots
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 23 Jan 2026After the meeting in Mexico City, the WBC is ready for 2026
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 23 Jan 2026Former world title challenger Jerry Belmontes Returns to ring at home after nearly a decade in Retirement on January 31 in Texas
Fri, 23 Jan 2026SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT RONNY ALVAREZ TRAINING CAMP NOTES
Thu, 22 Jan 2026STRICKLAND STUNS REYES AS SOUQUET SEALS REDEMPTION | WNT LEGENDS
Thu, 22 Jan 2026Knicks defeats Nets 120-66 to post largest margin of victory in franchise history
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 22 Jan 2026Mauricio Sulaiman: "We simply urge Zuffa Boxing to respect and protect boxing and the boxer"
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 22 Jan 2026January 31: Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou Junior Middleweight Title Unification Showdown to Stream LIVE on Top Rank Classics FAST Channel in the United States
Thu, 22 Jan 2026Mike Tyson to Launch “Mike Tyson Invitational,” a Three-Day Amateur Boxing Showcase Aimed at Elevating the Future of American Boxing
Thu, 22 Jan 2026KAIPO GALLEGOS TRAINING CAMP NOTES
Thu, 22 Jan 2026REYES AND BUSTAMANTE DELIVER HOME-SOIL MASTERCLASS | WNT LEGENDS
Wed, 21 Jan 2026Reigning World 10-ball Champion Filipino cue master Jonas Magpantay to see action in Indonesia pool tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 21 Jan 2026OLYMPIC BOXING 7: 1936 OLYMPICS AT BERLIN, GERMANY
By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 21 Jan 2026