Inoue Aims for Second Absolute Crown

On December 26 in Japan, Naoya Inoue is set to battle Filipino Marlon Tapales. Inoue aims for the absolute championship for the second consecutive year, this time stepping up to the junior bantamweight division.

Naoya Inoue

Age: 30, from Japan

Height: 165 cm

Reach: 171 cm

Record: Undefeated at 25-0, with 22 KOs

Knockout Rate: A staggering 88%

Recent Rumbles: Dominated last three bouts with early victories over Nonito Donaire, Paul Butler, and Steven Fulton.

Record Against Last Five Rivals: An impressive 139-12-1

Marlon Tapales

Age: 31, hailing from the Philippines.

Height: 163 cm.

Reach: 165 cm.

Record: Strong at 37-3, featuring 19 KOs.

Knockout Rate: A solid 51.35%.

Latest Bouts: Scored two early wins against Teshigawara and Estrella and clinched a victory by the judges' decision against Akhmadaliev.

Track Record with Last Five Foes: 118-35-5.

This match marks Naoya Inoue's second quest for the absolute title in as many years. Last year, he conquered the flyweight division (up to 53.5 kg). In 2023, he debuted in the junior bantamweight category (up to 55.225 kg) with a knockout win over top dog Stephen Fulton.

Tapales notched the most significant victory of his career this year, outmaneuvering the previously undefeated Murodjon Akhmadaliev to claim the unified title. He's currently the 1-in-9.5 underdog, meaning a win over Inoue could be the year's biggest upset.

The details on where to watch this much-anticipated bout were previously shared.