(Training camp teaser by Top Rank Boxing)
History will be made on December 26 as the battle for undisputed junior featherweight championship is on the line between Japan's Naoya "Monster" Inoue and the Philippines' Marlon "Maranding Nightmare" Tapales.
Inoue (25-0, 22 KOs) holds the WBC and WBO belts, and if he wins, will only be the second man — following Terence Crawford — to become a two-weight undisputed champion in the four-belt era. The knockout artist from Japan is heavily favored from oddsmakers and boxing pundits. Inoue fights in an orthodox stance with a 92% KO ratio.
(Video courtesy of Top Rank Boxing)
Tapales (37-3, 19 KOs) is a 15-year boxing professional and the current WBA and IBF champion. On December 26, the pride of Lanao del Norte is about to do something historic in front of a hostile crowd: become the first Filipino undisputed champion. Clearly the underdog, he is not to be underestimated as Tapales yields power in both hands. The disciplined southpaw currently has a 51.35% KO rating.
Video Courtesy of Top Tank Boxing
What is takes to be a boxer by Marlon Tapales
Inoue vs. Tapales fight date, start time
Date: Tuesday, December 26
Time: 10 a.m. UK / 5 a.m. ET
Main event ringwalks (approx): 12 p.m. UK / 7 a.m. ET
U.S.: ESPN+
UK: Sky Sports
***For boxing fans in the Philippines, coverage starts at 7 p.m. local Philippine time and will be streaming live for free at One Sports and on the Pilipinas Live app.
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