From Rivals to Sparring Partners: Naoya Inoue Recruits Marlon Tapales for Title Defense
Source: news.source.sunstar
Japanese boxing superstar Naoya Inoue has enlisted former rival Marlon Tapales as a sparring partner for his upcoming world title defense. The two boxers previously faced off in a unification bout in 2023, with Inoue emerging victorious. Tapales is set to join Inoue's training camp at the Ohashi Gym in Yokohama, Japan, on July 19, 2025. Inoue is scheduled to defend his titles against Murodjon Akhmadaliev on September 14, 2025, at the IG Arena in Nagoya.
Key Points
Naoya Inoue, a Japanese boxing superstar, has recruited Marlon Tapales as a sparring partner for his upcoming world title defense.
Inoue and Tapales previously fought in a world title unification bout in 2023, which Inoue won.
Tapales will join Inoue's training camp at the Ohashi Gym in Yokohama on July 19, 2025.
Inoue is set to defend his WBC, WBO, IBF, and WBA super-bantamweight titles against Murodjon Akhmadaliev on September 14, 2025, in Nagoya.
Tapales is the only fighter to have defeated Akhmadaliev, making him a valuable sparring partner for Inoue.
Tapales' team is not interested in a rematch with Inoue but is waiting for Inoue to move up in weight before targeting another title fight.
Criztian Pitt Laurente, an unbeaten prospect, will also join the training camp in Japan.
