Tapales admits not watching weight

MANILA, Philippines - Former WBO bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales said the other day it was his fault that he failed to watch his weight in preparing for his first title defense against Japan’s Shohei Omori, feasting on his favorite food lechon whenever it was on the table, and paid a hefty price in losing the crown on the scales aside from coughing up a penalty fine of $15,000.

Tapales went to Osaka to face Omori a week before the fight weighing nine pounds over the limit. The Tubod, Lanao del Norte, southpaw thought he could shed off the excess weight in a few days like he did when he dethroned Phuenlang Sor Singyu in Thailand in July last year. But starvation, exercise and a sauna bath didn’t work for Tapales this time. He was stripped of the title on the scales for weighing 119.75 pounds on his first try and 119.93 on his second, nearly two hours later.

But the fight went on anyway with the title remaining vacant if Tapales won and Omori claiming the throne if he prevailed. As it turned out, Tapales halted Omori at 0:16 of the 11th round. WBO president Paco Valcarcel then declared interim titlist Zolani Tete of South Africa the new champion.  

Tapales said his trainers Fernando Ocon and Brix Flores weren’t to blame for the weight fiasco. “It’s my fault, not theirs,” he said in Pilipino. “I monitor my own weight and adjust when I think I’m overeating. I thought I could bring down my weight to 118 for the fight. Maybe, I should get a nutritionist to guide me on what food to eat so I can control my weight.”

Tapales said it may be time to move up to the superbantamweight division where the weight limit is 122 pounds. “I can easily make 122,” he said.  “I don’t think my body can go down to 118 anymore. But it’s up to my manager (Wakee Salud) to decide what’s best for me.”

Tapales said he fought Omori for pride. “I didn’t want him to win the title from me,” he said. “I was weak at the start because of my dehydration. But slowly, I got my timing back. I almost went down in the fifth round because of a body shot but I felt I could take his hardest shots without seriously getting hurt. I told myself I already lost my title, I didn’t want to lose the fight.”

Tapales brushed off the notion that he’s the next Manny Pacquiao. “I don’t think of that,” he said. “Nobody can ever be another Manny. I just go out there and do the best I can. If my manager wants me to fight in the US, why not? It depends on the opportunity.” Tapales has fought once in Mexico, losing a majority decision to David Sanchez in 2013. Since the loss, Tapales has won nine in a row, including four in Japan.

Tapales said if he moves up to superbantamweight, challenging either of the two Japanese world champions would be a target. The IBF champion is Yukinori Oguni who won the title on a decision over the Dominican Republic’s Jonathan Guzman in Kyoto last December. Oguni, 28, has a 19-1-1 record, with 7 KOs. The other Japanese world 122-pound titlist is WBA regular champion Shun Kubo who has a 12-0 record, with 9 KOs. The 5-9 1/2 Kubo, 27, has victimized four Filipinos so far, including Monico Laurente. Tapales said he’s used to fighting in Japan where he is unbeaten.

Tapales isn’t rushing to challenge WBO champion Jessie Magdaleno, WBA “super” titleholder Guillermo Rigondeaux of Cuba or WBC king Rey Vargas. Magdaleno, 25, wrested the WBO crown from Nonito Donaire Jr. last November and has since repulsed Brazilian challenger Adeilson dos Santos on a second round knockout in Carson City a week ago. Magdaleno’s record is 25-0, with 18 KOs. Rigondeaux, 36, and Vargas, 26, are also undefeated. Rigondeaux, who once beat Donaire, has a 17-0 record, with 11 KOs while Vargas’ slate is 29-0, with 22 KOs.

“I don’t think I’m ready for Magdaleno,” said Tapales. “Maybe, I’ll need a few more fights. Right now, he’s too good. Against Rigondeaux, my chances are slim but I’ll find it easier to beat him than Magdaleno. If I move up to superbantamweight, my target will be either Oguni or Kubo.”