Inoue vs. Tapales: A Bantamweight Battle for the Ages Set for December Showdown

Inoue's game plan? Advance two squares. The champ's dance card's already got a name penciled in for the winner of his showdown with Tapales.

Mark your calendars for a rumble in Japan on December 26th, where the bantamweight throne's up for grabs. It's Japan's own Naoya Inoue (25-0, 22 KOs) squaring off against the Philippines' Marlon Tapales (37-3, 19 KOs) for the undisputed title in the feather-fist division (up to 55.2 kg).

Before the first bell even rings, there's already chatter about who's next in line. 

Enter Luis Neri (35-1, 27 KOs) from Mexico, a tough fighter and former champ in two weight classes. The victor of the Inoue-Tapales bout will have to duke it out with Neri for the WBC crown. This hot news dropped at the WBC Congress in Tashkent, running from November 13th to 17th.

Here's a quick recap of their recent bouts: Inoue laid out Steven Fulton this summer, sealing the deal in round eight. Tapales outboxed Murojon Akhmadaliev in the spring, winning on points. And Neri? He's been busy, knocking out two opponents in 2023.

Oh, and a little side note from the WBC Congress: Ready to Fight and the WBC inked a deal to team up. Stay tuned for more punches and punchlines!