Via Craig Daly: IBF/WBA super bantamweight champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev (11-0.8 KOs) defends IBF-ranked No. 1 opponent Marlon Tapales (36-3, 19 KOs) next spring in an alleged bout taking place outside the United States.
Akhmadaliev will defend the IBF & WBA belts for the fourth time, which he won three years ago. In the previous three title defenses, Akhmadaliev has beaten Ronny Rios, Jose Velasquez and Ryosuke Iwasa.
He won the 122 lb IBF/WBA belt with a narrow 12-round split against Daniel Roman in January 2020. In Akhmadaliev’s three IBF and WBA belts, he was unable to significantly increase his level. its popularity.
You could argue that the lackluster opposition Akhmadaliev faced during his three title defenses held him back, as he should have made a move to face. Stephen FultonWBC/WBO champion.
Unfortunately, it’s too late for that fight now, as Fulton (21-0.8 KO) will vacate his title after his next defense and feather promotion. [126] to start working out at that weight class. Shame on how.
Boxing fans had been hoping to see 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Akhmadaliev face former triple world champion Naoya ‘Monster’ Inoue next rather than the little-known 30-year-old Tapales.
It’s not clear why Akhmadaliev’s management would go the way of Tapales instead of Inoue as the Japanese star is interested in winning all four titles in 122 as quickly as possible and he might snap. chance to win Akhmadaliev’s IBF & WBA super bantamweight belts. from him immediately.
Is it possible that ‘The Beast’ Inoue will have problems trying to fight for the title against Akhmadaliev and WBC/WBO champion Stephen Fulton? If so, it is in Naoya’s best interest to rise to 126th and go after WBO featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete, IBF champion Luis Alberto Lopez, WBC champion Rey Vargas or WBA belt holder Leigh Wood.
Mike Coppinger’s GAME.
Tapales entered the fight with Akhmadaliev, who won the last three competitions against the little-known opposition. His victories were against Eden Sonsona, Hiroaki Teshigawara and Jose Estrella.
For whatever reason, the IBF feels those are wins that are good enough to give the Tapales the #1 spot in their organization. In December 2019, Tapales was defeated by Ryosuke Iwasa in round 11.
