Former two-division world champion Marlon Tapales is making a highly anticipated return to the boxing ring on April 3, 2026. He will face off against fellow ex-world champion Yukinori Oguni in a thrilling 10-round bout at the iconic Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. This match marks a significant comeback for Tapales, who has been rebuilding his career after a high-profile defeat.
Tapales' Journey Since the Inoue Loss
Despite suffering a loss to Japanese superstar Naoya "Monster" Inoue in their super bantamweight unification bout back in 2023, Tapales has remained a formidable name in his weight class. He quickly bounced back from that setback, demonstrating resilience and determination in subsequent fights.
Recent Achievements and Title Defenses
In 2024, Tapales captured the World Boxing Council (WBC) Asian Continental super-bantamweight title with an impressive first-round knockout victory over Thai fighter Nattapong Jankaew. Later that same year, he successfully defended this title by securing a unanimous decision win against Indian contender Saurabh Kumar.
The momentum continued into 2025, where Tapales fought twice and emerged victorious in both matches, further solidifying his status as a top contender. His consistent performance has earned him high rankings across major boxing organizations.
Current Rankings and Fighter Records
As of now, Marlon Tapales holds impressive positions in the global boxing rankings. He is ranked No. 2 by the WBC, No. 3 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), and No. 5 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF). These rankings underscore his skill and potential for future championship opportunities.
Tapales boasts a professional record of 41 wins and 4 losses, with 22 of those victories coming by knockout. His opponent, Yukinori Oguni, brings a record of 23 wins, 4 losses, and 3 draws, including 9 knockouts. This sets the stage for a competitive and exciting matchup between two experienced fighters.
What to Expect from the Tokyo Showdown
The fight in Tokyo is expected to be a closely contested battle, with both Tapales and Oguni aiming to prove their worth and climb higher in the rankings. For Tapales, this represents a crucial step in his comeback trail, potentially leading to more significant bouts in the future. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if he can leverage his recent successes into another title shot.
This event highlights the ongoing global appeal of boxing and the resilience of athletes like Tapales, who continue to strive for excellence despite past challenges. The Korakuen Hall, known for hosting historic fights, provides the perfect backdrop for this compelling encounter.
