Inoue vs. Tapales May Happen This November For Undisputed

Naoya Inoue could face Marlon Tapales for an undisputed super-bantamweight bout in November. 

Inoue’s confidence is riding high following his eighth-round-stoppage win over Stephen Fulton to pick up the WBO and WBC belts.

In a dominant performance, Inoue out-jabbed the bigger Fulton and landed more explosive combinations in a fight where there was a clear gulf in class. 

Despite the occasional pressure from Fulton, Inoue’s attacks proved too much, prompting the referee to stop the fight.

In contrast, Tapales secured the IBF and WBA titles last year by beating Murodjon Akhmadaliev via a unanimous decision.

Thereafter, the attention turned towards a bout with the current IBF and WBA champion. 

“I want to fight Inoue because he is a great champion,” Tapales

“Let’s do this this year,” Inoue

And now, according to ESPN’s Tim Bradley, a fight could happen in November. 

“The two men meet inside the ring in Tokyo for the first of what will likely be many face-offs,. The word that we’re hearing is a likely fight for undisputed at junior featherweight [122] could come in November of this year. That is assuming Inoue won [against Fulton]. You got more than just a win,” Bradley