Tapales eyes world title glory in hostile territory

CEBU, Philippines - Filipino boxer Marlon "Nightmare' Tapales (28-2, 11KOs) of Cebu's RWS Stable takes on the biggest fight of his life as he challenges defending Thai champion Pungluang Sor Singyu (52-3, 35KOs) for the WBO bantamweight title this afternoon in Thailand's ancient capital city of Ayutthaya.

All the odds are stuck against Tapales, fighting against the reining champ who has beaten all his 20 Filipino opponents in a hostile territory where hometown decision is prevalent.

But a determined Tapales vows to rise above the challenge.

"It always motivates me to do some unique - something that's done for the first time," Tapales said in an earlier interview with PhilBoxing's Dong Secuya. "The greater the challenge, the more motivated I am."

Tapales earned a mandatory shot at Sor Singyu's throne after knocking out the previously undefeated Japanese prospect Shohei Omori in the second round during their WBO elimination bout last February 16 at the Shimazu Arena in Kyoto, Japan.

Sor Singyu, on the other hand, will make the second defense of the WBO crown he regained after stopping Ryo Akaho of Japan on August 7, 2015. He successfully defended it against Filipino Jetro Pabustan last February 12 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

Tapales looks at Sor Singyu as a tough foe but is upbeat on his chances gleaned on his hard training and rigorous preparations that lasted nearly 12 weeks.

"Studying the tapes of his previous fights, I can say that Sor Singsingyu is a dangerous opponent that is why I trained and prepared hard for him," said Tapales in an exclusive interview on the eve of his departure to Thailand last Friday.

"I just have to give my best shot and take control from the first until the last round," added the pride of Lala, Lanao del Norte. "But if opportunity presents itself, I would definitely go for a knocout. That's really what I would be looking for knowing that I'm fighting in my foe's hometown."

If victorious, Tapales will be the Philippines' fourth world champion after Donnie "Ahas" Nietes (WBO light flyweight), Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire, Jr. (WBO bantamweight) and Johnreil "Quadro Alas" Casimero (IBF flyweight).

He will also become the fourth world title-holder from th RWS Stable of Cebuano topnotch promoter Rex "Wakee" Salud after the Peñalosa brothers Dodie and Gerry, both two division world champions, and ex-WBC flyweight titlist Malcolm "Eagle Eye" Tuñacao.

Regardless of the outcome though, brighter things are up ahead for Tapales, with no less than the world-renowned ALA Boxing Gym set to sign him up win or loss against Sor Singyu. (FREEMAN)