Former unified world super-bantamweight king Marlon Tapales and rising contender Reymart Gaballo bolster their status as future title contenders when they see action against separate foreign foes on 10 May at the Midas Hotel and Casino.
Tapales, coming off a knockout loss to pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue for the undisputed 122-lb title last December in Tokyo, meets Nattapong Jankew of Thailand.
Gaballo, meanwhile, battles Kenbun Torres of Mexico, who has toughened himself up by fighting overseas, mainly in Japan.
Even after losing to Inoue, Tapales’ handlers insist the Filipino southpaw still has a lot left in the tank and he could find himself securing a shot sometime late this year or in early-2025 in anticipation of Inoue’s impending invasion of the featherweight ranks.
But between the two, Gaballo might end up getting that call for a title crack since he has positioned himself squarely for a stab at Australian Jason Moloney’s World Boxing Organization bantamweight belt.
Gaballo is now being trained by Nonito Donaire Sr., who has retooled the heavy-handed fighter’s stance and overall skill set in the runup to another title opportunity.
As for Tapales, he is in the thick of training as well with lead cornerman Ernel Fontanilla.
Put up by Sanman, MP Promotions, Viva Promotions and ZIP of Nagoya, the slugfest will be shown on ONE Sports and Pilipinas Live.
