Tapales starts slow but move fast
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 13 Nov 2023
REIGNING IBF World and WBA Super World super bantamweight champion Marlon “Nightmare” Tapales has started slow but has shown his fast move in his first sparring session in Baguio City.
The 31-year-old Tapales has sparred with orthodox Herlan “Nino Bonito” Gomez and Jon Jon “Wolverine” Estrada last November 8 at the Shape Up Boxing Gym in Baguio City.
“It's okay, my punches (against Tapales) almost didn't hit, but it's okay, the champ moved fast,” said the 34-year-old Estrada, one of the orthodox boxers hired by Tapales.
Estrada and Gomez each had three rounds in the first sparring session.
“Champ Tapales is really in good condition today, fast and strong in strategy. It's a great experience for me to be able to spar with a world champion,” said the 24-year-old Gomez.
They first started slow in sparring to determine each other's moves.
“The sparring is a little bit slow, of course, since the training has started. But next week, they will be able to adjust to it,” said veteran Francisco Jaro, trainer of Gomez.
The third sparring partner will be Vincent “Asero” Astrolabio under Nonoy Neri of MP Pacquio Team, who will still come from Davao City next week.
Tapales and his team composed of manager JC Manangquil, trainer Ernel “Assassin” Fontanilla and secretary Ramon Falgui will leave one week before the day of the fight night for Japan.
He will face for the unification title fight against WBC and WBO World super bantamweight champion Naoya “Monster” Inoue on December 26 at Ariake Arena in Koto-Ku, Tokyo.
Photo: IBF and WBA Super World super world bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales (center) with his trainer Ernel Fontanilla (left) and Herlan Gomez' trainer Francisco Jaro.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Herlan Gomez Faces Jason Moloney in Australia: A Battle of Youth vs Experience (Analysis)
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 23 Oct 2025GM Joey Antonio shares the lead in Italy World Seniors Chess Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 23 Oct 2025Ronny Alvarez Shines with 5th Round TKO Victory Over Bruno Pola on DAZN
Thu, 23 Oct 2025TICKETS ON SALE NOW AS FLORES FACES CORDINA IN STOCKTON SHOWDOWN
Thu, 23 Oct 2025Teflon Promotions Presents: The Replay: The Volume 1 on Saturday November 22nd at The 6th Man Center in Philadelphia
Thu, 23 Oct 2025DAY TWO: CHUA CRASHES OUT AS MANAS MARCHES ON IN MANILA
Thu, 23 Oct 2025Doncic equals Kobe's record in the Lakers' NBA season opener
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 23 Oct 2025THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 21: THE RELATIONSHIP OF MUHAMMAD ALI AND JOE FRAZIER
By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 22 Oct 2025Sumabong is new WBO Asia Pacific minimumweight champ
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 22 Oct 2025Happy Birthday Reymart Soledad!
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 22 Oct 2025October 30: Mary Spencer-Mikaela Mayer Super Welterweight Title Showdown to Stream LIVE on Top Rank Classics FAST Channel
Wed, 22 Oct 2025Pinoy chessers off to hot start in Italy World Senior Chess Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 22 Oct 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Finalists for the WBC Grand Prix are Set
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 22 Oct 2025Traya to fight again in Thailand on Oct. 25
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 22 Oct 2025Texas super middleweight Darius Fulghum Preparing to get back in the title hunt
Wed, 22 Oct 2025