By Shawn De Guzman

 

Marlon Tapales had a small hiccup but he’s nonetheless ready to go when he locks horns against Yukinori Oguni on Friday, April 3.

 

The former unified super bantamweight champion needed two tries to make weight, tipping the scales just 0.06 pounds over the limit before settling with a 123.5lbs weight. 

 

Oguni, on the other hand, also made weight with 123lbs.

 

With the slight weight issue now over and done with, Tapales shifts his focus on making sure that hr executes his game plan against the 37-year-old Oguni. 

 

“Gusto kong magawa namin ang aming mga plano wala na po akong ibang focus kundi ang manalo sa laban,” said Tapales. 

 

Sanman boxing chief JC Manangquil added that Team Tapales isn’t taking Oguni lightly, stressing that his boxer prepared for the fight as if it is a championship bout. 

 

“Nagprepare kami, si marlon and the whole team na parang world championships kaya may kumpyansa ang team, pinaghandaan sa training nila iyan at makikita nyo,” he added. 

 

Tapales is coming into the contest on a four-fight win streak and sporting a 41-4 record with 22 knockouts. 

 

Oguni, who aims to climb back into boxing relevance after a roller coaster last six fights, is entering with a 23-4-3 slate.