“The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 15 Feb 2026
In a battle of former world champions, Japan's Yukinori Oguni (23-4-3, 9 KOs) battles the Filipino "Nightmare" Marlon T. Tapales in a 10-round featherweight bout on April 3 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
Tapales (41-4, 22 KOs), who fought "Monster" Naoya Inoue in a super bantamweight unification bout two years ago, has won his last four fights, is world-ranked, and maintains a high level of international recognition. 👍
For both Oguni, 37, and Tapales, 33, this fight represents a crucial opportunity at this stage in their careers. About it, Oguni said, "I'm taller. The key will be distance. I don't want to exchange punches," making it crystal clear that he'll seek a tactical fight against the experienced Pinoy former 2-division champion.
Tapales knows he has experience against all types of boxers. He doesn't believe Oguni will bring something new, but respect is always a must, diba?
The popular Zip Sanman Gym boxer respects all opponents, feeling positive and confident that he'll defeat Oguni on April 3rd in his own backyard. Plus, Tapales has experience winning important fights in Japan.
Will Oguni – who last April won by knockout in the Philippines – outbox, outsmart, and outpoint the strong southpaw from Lanao del Norte?
Or will Tapales succeed by pressing into the inside, landing the best shots, shining bright for another riveting win in the Land of the Rising Sun? May the best man win! 🇯🇵🇵🇭👍🥊
The writer is veteran boxing reporter Carlos Costa in Cebu 🇵🇭 Philippines. carlos@philboxing.com
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