Photo: Marlon Tapales/FB

By Shawn De Guzman

Former unified world champion Marlon Tapales is leaving no stone unturned as he braces for a tough battle against Japanese veteran Yukinori Oguni on Friday.

Tapales, who is looking to protect his rankings and stay as one of the elites in the super bantamweight division, vowed to give everything in the fight versus Oguni at the Korakuen Hall.

Although facing up against the 37-year-old former Japanese champion, Tapales, who is younger by three years, isn’t being complacent especially against a fighter, who is desperate for another title shot before finally calling it quits.

“Oguni is a good boxer. I will do my best to win,” said Tapales during the final press conference on Wednesday.

Oguni, for his part, also promised a good fight in front of the home crowd, stressing that he prepared well against the Filipino.

“I have devised various strategies and intend to execute them the day after tomorrow,” he said.

Tapales is sporting a 41-4 record with 22 knockouts and putting a four-fight win streak which followed his technical knockout loss to Naoya Inoue. 

Oguni, on the other hand. has 29-4 record but only won two of his last six bouts — two being a draw and the remaining two were defeats