Tapales oozing with confidence

Every time Marlon Tapales thinks about his fast-approaching shot at two world title straps, he could not help but go the extra, extra mile in training.

"Training has been going well," Tapales told Daily Tribune after another exhausting session at the Top Rank gym.

Tapales is due to battle Murodjon Akhmadaliev of Uzbekistan on 8 April in San Antonio, Texas.

Akhmadaliev, who had an exemplary amateur career highlighted by an Olympic bronze in Rio2016 and a silver in the 2015 world championships, will be dangling the World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation super-bantamweight titles at the ultra-modern Boeing Center at Tech Port.

"This is a big opportunity as I am fighting not just for one but two world crowns," Tapales said of his showdown with the unbeaten Akhmadaliev, who packs an 11-0 record with eight knockouts.

Tapales, 30, sports a 36-3 ledger with 19 knockouts and is also a southpaw like Akhmadaliev, slightly younger at 28.

To brace for Akhmadaliev's skillset, Tapales makes the most out of the sparring sessions.

Some of his regular sparmates are fellow ex-world champions Jerwin Ancajas and top contender Jade Bornea, who are all residing in one house in Las Vegas.

Former world champion Jessie Magdaleno is also being awaited to show up at the Top Rank gym.

"I have full confidence in myself," Tapales said.