Akhmadaliev vs Kameda in WBA Eliminator to Select Tapales' Challenger, But How About Inoue vs Tapales?
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 21 Aug 2023
Akhmadaliev (L) and Kameda.
The WBA Championship Committee has just ordered the super bantamweight world title eliminator between former world champions Tomoki Kameda (40-3, 22 KO's) of Osaka, Japan, and Uzbekistan's Murodjon Akhmadaliev (11-1, 8 KO's).
The sanctioning body headquartered in Panama has already sent notifications to both teams, giving them a period of 30 days to complete the negotiation for their 12-rounder rumble.
The WBA has issued the order as Tomoki Kameda is currently ranked as WBA #1, while Alhmadaliev is WBA's #2.
In case that both camps do not reach an agreement within the stipulated period, or if one of the parties refuses to sign for the fight, the WBA may call for a purse bid with a 50% share for each fighter.
However, the Filipino Marlon Tapales has already expressed his full interest in fighting thrilling Japanese superstar "Monster" Naoya Inoue for the UNDISPUTED super bantamweight title.
For Marlon Tapales, unifying titles with Naoya Inoue is far more exciting than defending aginast Kameda or Alhmadaliev. There are a number of reasons for that.
One of them is, obviously, is the thrill of competing against a champion of superb quality and skills as Naoya Inoue.
In fact, in the minds of so many boxing fans, Naoya Inoue is, together with Terrence Crawford, one of top two pound4pound boxers in the planet. Why not fighting him?
Naoya Inoue stopped Stephen Fulton in sensational fashion last month.
Another reason is the huge popularity of Naoya, a boxer so well known to boxing fans around the world, who has knocked out fearless opponents, including a number of Pinoy warriors such as Dasmarinas, Parrenas and Donaire.
Another reason is money. A purse against the sensational Japanese KO artist star in boxing-loving Japan would represent for the Marlon T. Tapales a much larger paycheck. Absolutely yes.
To top it all, if Inoye vs Tapales happens, it could be a battle for the UNDISPUTED super bantamweight title.
THAT is what both, Inoue and Tapalese would surely prefer. Actually, what boxer would not want the honor of fighting for the undisputed title?
Plus, the interest of Tapales and Inoue has already been expressed.
In fact, Marlon Tapales flew to Japan to be at ringside for Naoya Inoue's riveting knockout win over American belt-holder Stephen Fulton last month.
During the post-fight interview, Naoya even invited Tapales to come up to the ring where both champs expressed to fans their desire to face each other next.
Marlon Tapales wrested the WBA/IBF superbantam belts from Murodjon Akhmadaliev.
Yes, from the ring, Naoya and Marlon told fans about their willingness to battle each other.
Really, that possible fight - as every Inoue's fight - would capture the attention of fans worldwide.
Marlon Tapales (37-3, 19 KO's) of Lanao del Norte, is the reigning WBA/IBF Super Bantamweight Champion, while awesome Naoya Inoue (25-0, 22 KO's) is the current WBC/WBO 122 pound King.
Yes hermanos, Naoya Inoue vs Marlon Tapales would be a thrilling clash, plus this:
The winner would hopefully want to defend against popular former champ John Riel Casimero!
So, if you are Marlon Tapales, who would you want fight NEXT?
Naoya Inoue or the winner of Akhmadaliev vs Kameda?
What do you think?
Me, I cross my fingers that Naoya Inoue VS Marlon Tapales would become a reality, hopefully for the end of this year, and the winner fighting Casimero.
The author Carlos Costa born in Panama is a veteran boxing analyst and reporter, living for years in the Philippines and Thailand. Carlos can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and WhatsApp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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