Analysis & Picks: Inoue vs Tapales 12/26/2023

Fight Preview

Naoya Inoue fought in 2022 when he defeated Filipino challenger Nonito Donaire for the WBO bantamweight championship in a hard-fought war. Now Inoue is looking to defeat Tapales and add another undisputed belt to his collection, hoping that becoming two-weight undisputed champion could add one more feather in his cap.

On December 26th, Japan’s Naoya Inoue will put his WBC and WBO world titles against the IBF version held by Tapales at Ariake Arena in Japan.

Inoue has long been known for his explosive fighting style. Tapales, another southpaw like Inoue, may not boast as impressive an undefeated record as Inoue but still packs plenty of punching power in his battles with opponents.

Both fighters enter this fight boasting impressive records against top opponents, along with much anticipation surrounding them. But experience is going to play an instrumental role for Tapales when facing Inoue – specifically after having faced Murodjon Akhmadaliev to a split decision earlier this year.

Filipino boxer Marlon Tapales had previously been considered one of the top contenders in the super bantamweight division, so that win could give him confidence that an upset can occur against Inoue, as Inoue uses speed and has the ability to quickly throw punches that keep his opponent off balance. Tapales must find ways to counter Inoue’s quick punching style if he wants any chance at victory here.

Tapales knows he cannot take any chances against an unbeaten Inoue who hasn’t lost. In order to give himself any hope of defeating Inoue, Tapales must bring his A game and put on his best performance to date.

Inoue was previously four-division champion at both 115 pounds and 118 pounds before winning the IBF bantamweight belt, but his next goal is to become only the second male boxer ever after Terence Crawford to claim full undisputed status in two different weight classes simultaneously – Claressa Shields already accomplished this feat at middleweight.

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