Marlon Tapales Set for High-Stakes Return Against Yukinori Oguni in Tokyo
Former two-division world champion Marlon Tapales is gearing up for a significant comeback as he prepares to face former world champion Yukinori Oguni in a compelling 10-round super-bantamweight bout. The highly anticipated match is scheduled for April 3, 2026, and will take place at the historic Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan, marking a pivotal moment in both fighters' careers.
Tapales' Resilience and Recent Form
Despite a challenging loss to Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue in a world title unification fight back in 2023, Tapales has demonstrated remarkable resilience, solidifying his position as one of the top contenders in the super-bantamweight division. The 33-year-old Filipino boxer made a strong recovery in 2024, capturing the WBC Asian Continental super-bantamweight belt with an impressive first-round knockout victory over Thailand's Nattapong Jankaew. He further showcased his skills by successfully defending this title with a unanimous decision win against Saurabh Kumar.
In the following year, Tapales maintained an active schedule, fighting twice and securing notable achievements. He stopped Indonesia's Jon Jon Jet in the third round to claim the WBC International Silver super-bantamweight title, and later delivered a powerful sixth-round knockout against Mexico's Fernando Toro. These victories have bolstered his rankings, with Tapales currently holding the No. 2 spot by the WBC, No. 3 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), and No. 5 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), underscoring his elite status in the division.
Oguni's Experience and Recent Activity
On the other side of the ring, Yukinori Oguni, a 37-year-old Japanese veteran, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record. Oguni was a world champion from 2016 to 2017, having won the IBF super-bantamweight title by defeating Jonathan Guzman, though he lost the belt in his first title defense to Ryosuke Iwasa via a sixth-round stoppage. Last year, Oguni stayed busy with three fights, displaying a mix of outcomes that highlight his competitive spirit.
His recent performances include a first-round knockout of Filipino boxer Jon Jon Estrada, a sixth-round stoppage loss to Subaru Murata, and a bounce-back unanimous decision victory over Chainoi Worawut. With a professional record of 23 wins, four losses, and three draws, including nine knockouts, Oguni poses a formidable challenge, combining seasoned technique with a hunger to reclaim past glory.
Fight Details and Expectations
This clash between Tapales and Oguni is set to be a thrilling encounter, pitting two former world champions against each other in a bout that could have significant implications for the super-bantamweight rankings. Tapales enters with a professional record of 41 wins and four losses, featuring 22 knockouts, reflecting his power and consistency in the ring. The fight at Korakuen Hall promises to draw attention from boxing enthusiasts worldwide, as both fighters aim to prove their mettle and potentially secure future title opportunities.
As the date approaches, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating this matchup, which not only highlights the enduring talent of Marlon Tapales but also sets the stage for a competitive showdown in the heart of Tokyo's boxing scene.
