World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation super bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales of the Philippines arrived at Tokyo’s Haneda airport on Dec. 19 for his title unification fight with World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organization super bantamweight champion Naoya ‘’the Monster’’ Inoue of Ohashi Boxing Gym on Dec. 26 in Tokyo.

  Upon arrival at the airport, the 31-year-old Tapales told reporters calmly, ‘’I am in a very good condition. I have been training hard for the upcoming fight.’’

  Tapales is said to have conducted training in Las Vegas Nevada for about two months and a month in the Philippines while conducting about 100 rounds of sparring.

  Since he was training in the Philippines’ Baguio, which is located about 1,500 meters (4,920 feet) above sea level, Tapales said he does not mind the cold of Japan.

  Asked about Inoue, Tapales said, ‘’I think he has a very high IQ in boxing. I will do everything I have to win the fight, and I want to win it clearly.’’

  He fought four times in Japan between May 2013 and April 2017 and won them all.

  The scheduled 12-round title fight will be held at Ariake Arena.

  Tapales has a record of 37 wins, including 19 knockouts, against three losses, while the 30-year-old Inoue is undefeated in his 25 bouts, 22 by KO.