The Filipino pug entered the championship bout as a 5-1 underdog.
30-year-old Marlon Tapales bagged the WBA and IBF world super bantamweight weight belts after earning a hard-fought split decision victory over previously unbeaten Uzbek fighter Murodjon Akhmadaliev. After 12 rounds of intense action, the three judges scored the bout, 115-113, 110-118, 115-113 in favor of the Filipino boxer.
Defying the odds, Tapales became the second world champion to come out of the General Santos-based Sanman Boxing stable—the other titlist being WBO mini-flyweight champ Melvin Jerusalem.
Nicknamed “Nightmare,” the pride of Lanao del Norte made his dream come true by sticking it to his opponent until he got the much-deserved victory. Even the commentators agreed with the result.
Check out the downpour of emotions from Tapales, his camp, and the broadcast team as the decision was announced.
Tapales now has a record of 37 wins, 3 defeats and 19 knockouts. On the other corner, Akhmadeliev dropped to 11 wins, 1 defeat with 8 knockouts. Considering the mettle and the skills he displayed in the title match, we look forward to the latest Filipino boxing champion's long reign in the 122-pound weight class.