Marlon Tapales, a renowned Filipino professional boxer, has made significant strides in the boxing world.
He held the unified WBA (Super) and IBF super-bantamweight titles in 2023 and the WBO bantamweight title from 2016 to 2017.
Known for his resilience and skill, Tapales has achieved commendable success across multiple weight classes.
In this article, you will know Marlon Tapales’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Marlon Tapales’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marlon Tapales |
| Date of Birth | March 23, 1992 |
| Place of Birth | Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Height | 5’4″ (163 cm) |
| Reach | 65″ (165 cm) |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Residence | Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, Philippines |
| Professional Record | 37 wins, 4 losses, 0 draws |
| Knockout Wins | 19 |
| Career Start | 2008 |
| Titles Held | Unified WBA and IBF Super Bantamweight Champion |
Marlon Tapales was born on March 23, 1992, in the Philippines. Growing up in a rural village, Tapales developed a passion for boxing early in life.
His dedication and talent have propelled him to the top of the boxing world, where he has held world championships in two weight classes.
Early Career
His boxing journey began at a young age, fueled by a passion for the sport and a desire to uplift his family’s circumstances.
Tapales turned professional at 16, debuting on July 18, 2008, against Nestor Gamolo.
This fight marked the beginning of his professional career, and he quickly gained attention for his skill and determination in the ring.
Tapales suffered his first professional defeat in a fight for the Philippines Boxing Federation Flyweight title. Despite this setback, his resolve remained unshaken.
Professional Career
Tapales’ career reached new heights in 2016 when he won the WBO Bantamweight title against Pungluang Sor Singyu.
This victory was a defining moment, establishing him as a world champion. Despite his success, Tapales faced challenges, including being stripped of his title due to weight issues.
Nevertheless, he persevered, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. In December 2019, Tapales fought Ryosuke Iwasa for the vacant IBF Super Bantamweight title.
Although he suffered a defeat, this bout highlighted his ability to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Wife
Miguel Cotto is married to Melissa Guzmán. They married in 1998 and have 3 children: Luis, Alondra, and Miguel Cotto III.
Cotto also has a daughter named Janeshka Marie, from a previous relationship.
Marlon Tapales’s Net Worth Details
Marlon Tapales’s net worth is estimated to be between $1-5 million as of 2025.
Contract
Marlon Tapales is co-promoted by MP Promotions and Sean Gibbons, which suggests he has a structured promotional contract that helps manage his fights and career trajectory.
Fight Purses
| Date | Opponent | Purse | Division | Fight Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 26, 2023 | Naoya Inoue | At least $500,000 | Super Bantamweight | Unified IBF and WBA (Super) titles; lost by KO |
| Apr 8, 2023 | Murodjon Akhmadaliev | $250,000 | Super Bantamweight | Won IBF and WBA (Super) titles by split decision |
Fight Records
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Division | Titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 10, 2024 | Nattapong Jankaew | Win | KO | Super Bantamweight | WBC Asian Continental (vacant) |
| Dec 26, 2023 | Naoya Inoue | Loss | KO | Super Bantamweight | WBA (Super), IBF |
| Apr 8, 2023 | Murodjon Akhmadaliev | Win | SD | Super Bantamweight | WBA (Super), IBF |
| May 14, 2022 | Jose Estrella | Win | KO | Super Bantamweight | None |
| Dec 11, 2021 | Hiroaki Teshigawara | Win | KO | Super Bantamweight | None |
| Nov 21, 2020 | Eden Sonsona | Win | TKO | Super Bantamweight | None |
| Dec 7, 2019 | Ryosuke Iwasa | Loss | TKO | Super Bantamweight | IBF Interim |
| Jun 1, 2019 | Roberto Castaneda | Win | KO | Super Bantamweight | None |
| Feb 16, 2019 | Fernando Vargas Parra | Win | RTD | Super Bantamweight | None |
| Sep 30, 2018 | Goodluck Mrema | Win | KO | Super Bantamweight | None |
| Apr 23, 2017 | Shohei Omori | Win | TKO | Bantamweight | WBO World (vacant) |
| Jul 27, 2016 | Pungluang Sor Singyu | Win | KO | Bantamweight | WBO World |
| Dec 16, 2015 | Shohei Omori | Win | TKO | Bantamweight | None |
FAQs
1. Who is Marlon Tapales?
Marlon Tapales is a Filipino professional boxer born on March 23, 1992, in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines. He is known for being a two-division world champion, having held titles in both the bantamweight and super bantamweight divisions.
2. What world titles has Marlon Tapales won?
Tapales has held the WBO bantamweight world title from 2016 to 2017 and the unified WBA (Super) and IBF super bantamweight titles from April to December 2023. He is recognized as a two-weight world champion.
3. What is Marlon Tapales’ professional boxing record?
Marlon Tapales has a professional record of 39 wins, 4 losses, and 0 draws. Out of his 39 wins, 20 have come by knockout, giving him a knockout ratio of about 51%.
4. How did Marlon Tapales start his boxing career?
Tapales began his professional boxing career at age 16 in July 2008. He quickly built an impressive record, fighting frequently in the Philippines and winning his first eight bouts within ten months of turning pro.
5. What are some of Marlon Tapales’ most notable fights?
Some of Tapales’ most notable fights include his knockout win over Pungluang Sor Singyu to claim the WBO bantamweight title, his split decision victory over Murodjon Akhmadaliev to unify the WBA and IBF super bantamweight titles, and his bout against Naoya Inoue for the undisputed super bantamweight championship.
6. What is Marlon Tapales’ fighting style and stance?
Tapales fights in a southpaw stance, favoring his left hand for power shots. He is known for his aggressive approach, high punch volume, and ability to apply pressure on his opponents.
7. How tall is Marlon Tapales and what is his reach?
Marlon Tapales stands 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall and has a reach of approximately 67.3 inches (171 cm), which helps him compete effectively in the super bantamweight division.
8. What happened in Marlon Tapales’ fight against Naoya Inoue?
Tapales faced Naoya Inoue on December 26, 2023, in a bout for the undisputed super bantamweight championship. He lost by knockout in the 10th round but made history as the first Filipino to fight for undisputed status in the four-belt era.
9. What is Marlon Tapales’ current ranking in the super bantamweight division?
Tapales is ranked No. 1 by The Ring, No. 2 by the WBC, No. 3 by the IBF, and No. 5 by the WBA in the super bantamweight division, reflecting his status as one of the top fighters in his weight class.
10. When and against whom is Marlon Tapales’ next scheduled fight?
Marlon Tapales is scheduled to fight Jon Jon Jet on April 27, 2025, in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This bout is part of his ongoing campaign to regain a world title and further his boxing legacy.
