Hometown champion Tapales set to defend WBO AsPac title

TUBOD, Lanao Del Norte, Philippines — Hometown hero Marlon ‘D' Bulldozer’ Tapales is primed and ready to defend his WBO Asia-Pacific super flyweight title against a formidable Tanzanian challenger Fadhili Majiha on June 28 at the world-class MCC gymnasium here.

The first title defense of Tapales, who is now under the aegis of Cebuano topnotch promoter Rex 'Wakee' Salud, will be fought in his home province of Lanao del Norte. The championship battle is describe by analysts as the toughest fight of Tapales’ career that will determine his ranking among the elite super flyweight boxers in the world.

Tapales holds an 18-1 win-loss record spiked with six knockouts. He demolished his Thai opponent Yodpichai Sithsaithong in only four rounds during his last fight. The heavy-handed Majiha, for his part, boasts of a 15-3-4 win-loss-draw slate spiked with 7KOs.

Tapales gained recognition when he fought and won in the undercard of Pacquiao-Mosley fight held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Upon returning home, Tapales was met with a motorcade that started in Tapales’ hometown of Kapatagan through the coastal towns of Lala, Baroy and Tubod.

Hundreds of fans and boxing aficionados lined the national highway to take a glimpse of their newest boxing hero.

After the motorcade, Tapales paid a courtesy call on Governor Khalid Dimaporo, who lauded the boxer for bringing the name of Lanao del Norte to the global stage.

Also set to see action in the supporting bouts are Reymond Dayham of Malaybalay City versus Jerson Luzarito of Butuan City; Belmar Plaza from Lala, Lanao del Norte against Jaysever Abcede of Valencia City; Ritchie Mipranum from Sarangani Province versus Rogen Flores of Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte.

The boxing spectacle is one of the highlights of the 55th Araw ng Lanao del Norte celebration organized by the Provincial LGU in partnership with Minoru Harada Boxing Promotions. – PR (FREEMAN)