Going back to the Tapales, the only thing I heard is that he should used his awkwardness if there is as such tactic in boxing. And be somewhat unpredictable so that Inoue will somewhat be confused. But I don't see it enough to upset the monster. Unless Tapales landed a perfect punch and then Inoue can't recover from it. The only one that can beat Inoue here is himself, if he slacks on training and underestimated Tapales.
I don't really think Tapales is capable of beating Inoue even to survive up to the last round is a miracle for him because he is too slow for Inoue and he will take those power punches as if he is a punching bag. looks like he will be just like Charlo when he fights Canelo, he will just try to survive unless he has the power to shake Inoue but in reality, he does not and it might be just an easy win for Inoue, easier when he beats Fulton. If only Casimero holding those belts, it would be a fight of the year when they finally meet against each other inside the ring.
I really hope that Tapales has the power to earn Inoue's respect. Or maybe it is better if Inoue won't respect his power so we will see how it goes if Tapales lands his strongest hooks. I think Tapales has the power to shake Inoue if the Japanese underestimate his power and focus on getting the knockout.
We can only hope about Casimero being the champion but it is a reality that he himself caused losing his belt which also meant losing the chance to unify with Inoue at 118. Now he is also at 122 but so far he is fighting nobodies. Next year Casimero should get his title shot otherwise Inoue might also move up to 126.
Speaking of power, I think he's got it, considering he's KO'd 19 of his opponents in his last 37 fights. Maybe he's not as strong a puncher as Inoue, but boxers tend to improve as they learn and train harder, especially when facing a popular champion.
Honestly, I haven't seen a Filipino boxer who's really gone toe to toe with Inoue, except for Donaire. So, I'm hoping this fight is going to be an entertaining one. Tapales doesn't necessarily have to win if he can't, but he shouldn't just fight to survive.
It'll be interesting how Tapales will approach Inoue once they are in the ring but I am optimistic that he comes there to win and not just to survive. Inoue also doesn't like going toe to toe so it is either he becomes the aggressor or he will use the ring and his speed to attack or make counter-attacks. If Tapales becomes the aggressor like Donaire then the better since there is a lesser chance to win once Inoue is the one moving forward.
Tapales has decent power, so if he can hit Inoue flash on the mouth, maybe he will feel the power and respect Marlon in their fight. I'm watching some highlights of Tapales fight and he really seems to be a thinking fighter. I mean he will read his opponent before making an attack and doesn't over commit, let's say like Manny when he throws his left, most of the time he will lunge making a huge opening for his opponent to counter. But not Marlon Tapales, maybe his ring IQ is underrated for know but we will obviously see it against the Monster. Yes, we know that Tapales chances are very slim to almost none against Inoue, but that's what they said on him against Akhmadaliev. Although I'm seeing that Inoue will work on Marlon's body, to try and slow him down or maybe even score a body blow.
Tapales is really an understated fighter. He is smart and has some tricks of his own. He is a 2 division world champion for a reason. So he is experienced when it comes to world-class opposition. Tapales' power is also underrated and misleading since he is actually 11-1-10 KOs in his last 12 fights. Inoue though is a great fighter with a great team behind him so they knew already and are not taking Tapales lately as most fans do.
Meanwhile, Steve Kim talked to Bob Arum and it's said that the fight is looking forward this December 26 in Japan once again. So it seems like American money is once again beaten by the Japanese sponsors in trying to bring this undisputed fight to Inoue's home. But at least things are clearer now that this fight will happen. But it's not too late yet for ESPN and its partners to bid more money in order to bring this fight to America.