GAB rallies behind Filipino fighter

TOKYO, Japan — The leadership of the Games and Amusements Board is backing Marlon Tapales all the way in his quest to become an undisputed champion when he faces fellow two-belt titleholder Naoya Inoue on Tuesday night at the Ariake Arena.

"We are here to look after our champion's welfare," GAB chairperson Richard Clarin said on Monday following the official weigh-in at the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel and Towers.

Given the magnitude of the fight, Clarin said the GAB has closely coordinated with the Japan Boxing Commission and with all the four boxing bodies in an effort to guarantee Tapales a fair shake.

While Japan is not notorious for hometown decisions, Clarin swears it was still vital to reach out with the heads of the four major alphabet soup organizations.

Accompanying Clarin here is GAB boxing division chief Jackie Ornido and a couple of staffers who have joined a growing number of Filipinos who are attending the unification bout to rally behind Tapales.

Apart from Tapales, another Filipino fighter is seeing action in the undercard.