Former Champion Marlon Tapales Triumphant in Comeback Fight
Former unified super-bantamweight world champion Marlon Tapales made a triumphant return to the ring on May 10, securing a first-round knockout victory over Nattapong Jankaew in Pasay City, Philippines.
The Filipino boxer, who had suffered a defeat against Naoya Inoue in a title fight on December 26 in Japan, proved his resilience by dominating his Thai opponent from the outset. Tapales (38-4, 20 KOs) dropped Jankaew (12-4, 8 KOs) three times in the opening round, with the referee stopping the contest at the 2:15 mark.
Tapales showcased his power and precision, landing a powerful right hook that sent Jankaew to the canvas first. Sensing his opponent’s vulnerability, the former world champion pressed forward, unleashing a heavy overhand left that floored Jankaew once more. The Thai fighter’s struggles continued, as Tapales landed a left uppercut and a left hook, leading to the third and final knockdown of the round.
“It feels good to return with a victory,” Tapales wrote on his Facebook page. “Thank God and all the people who support me. I will continue to work hard to become a world champion again.”
The decisive victory marked a successful return to the winner’s circle for Tapales, who collected a regional WBC title following his triumph in Pasay City. The boxing news article highlights Tapales’ resilience and his ability to bounce back from a previous defeat, showcasing his knockout power and his aspirations to reclaim a world championship title.
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