Kenshiro Teraji won the World Boxing Association (WBA) Boxer of the Month award after his April 8 defense against Anthony Olascuaga. Marlon Tapales won the Honorable Mention for his victory over Murodjon Akhmadaliev. Teraji made the first defense of his WBA Super Light Flyweight Championship against American Olascuaga, to whom he delivered a technical knockout in 9 rounds at the Ariake Arena, in Koto Ku. The Japanese fighter reaffirms himself as the best fighter of the division and continues as unified champion after this new victory at home. For his part, Tapales got a great victory over Akhmadaliev that same day in San Antonio, Texas, to snatch the WBA super bantamweight crown in a great performance of the Filipino on U.S. soil. The scorecards were 110-118, 115-113 and 115-113 to take the split decision. With the individual awards for the month of April, the ranking of the pioneer organization was also published, whose changes and updates can be reviewed in the corresponding section of the WBA official website.
Marlon Tapales and Naoya Inoue will have a huge super bantamweight showdown for the 122 lbs. undisputed title on December 26. One day after Christmas, the Filipino will face the Asian at the Ariake Arena in Koto Ku, Japan. Tapales is the World Boxing Association (WBA) champion and also holds the IBF belt, while Inoue holds the WBO and WBCP belts. The Filipino is coming off of defeating Murodjon Akhmadaliev to take the crowns on April 8 in San Antonio, Texas, and at one time aimed to face either Naoya Inoue or Stephen Fulton, who subsequently faced each other in July. Finishing with a resounding victory and two belts, Inoue was the opponent to face Tapales. One of the best pound-for-pound fighters will be back home looking for greatness and wants to show off his spectacular boxing in front of his home crowd. The fight will feature two brave and strong opponents. Inoue as the main protagonist in his own backyard and in front of an opponent who will not shy away from the fight, so it is expected to be an action-packed showdown with a lot of excitement. Tapales has a record of 37 wins, 3 losses and 19 knockouts, while Inoue is undefeated in 25 fights, with 22 knockouts.
MANILA, Philippines (Dec 2025) – The “Maranding Nightmare” is back in full force. Former unified world champion Marlon Tapales (41-4, 22 KOs) has sent a clear message to the super bantamweight division after a spectacular knockout victory at the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum. Taming the Toro: A 6th-Round Masterclass In his most recent high-profile appearance on October 29, 2025, Tapales headlined the “Thrilla in Manila II” card—an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the legendary Ali-Frazier fight. Facing the tough Venezuelan Fernando Toro, Tapales showcased his veteran experience and signature southpaw power. While Toro started aggressively in the opening rounds, Tapales remained composed, breaking down his opponent with surgical precision. In the 6th round, a crushing right hook followed by a barrage of body shots sent Toro to the canvas. The referee called a stop to the contest at the 2:31 mark, handing Tapales a decisive TKO victory. Ranking Surge and 2026 World Title Hopes With three consecutive wins in 2025—including victories over Jon Jon Jet and Saurabh Kumar—Tapales has successfully rebuilt his momentum since his brave undisputed clash against Naoya Inoue in late 2023. The Filipino star currently holds elite positions in the world rankings: The Ring Magazine: #1 Contender WBCP: #3 WBO: #3 IBF: #4 What’s Next? A Date with Luis Nery or Stephen Fulton? Promoter JC Mananquil and MP Promotions have hinted that Tapales is ready for another world title shot. As Naoya Inoue is expected to move up to the featherweight division in 2026, the belts at 122 lbs will likely become vacant. Rumors are already swirling about a potential mega-fight in Summer 2026 against former champion Luis Nery or a title eliminator against Stephen Fulton. “The plan is simple: we stay active and we bring a world title back to the Philippines,” Tapales stated after his recent win.
