World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation super bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales of the Philippines said on Dec. 20 in Yokohama he is 2,000 percent confident about winning the 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.

The 31-year-old Tapales, who arrived in Japan the preceding day, did shadowboxing, rope skipping and punching bag hitting at Ohashi gym. Before the workout, the left-handed Tapales told a group of reporters at the gym he is confident about winning the upcoming fight, ‘’2,000 percent’’ to coincide with the same comment of his manager Sean Gibbons of the United States.

Since Tapales visited Japan last July and watched Inoue winning the titles from Stephen Fulton of the U.S. by technical knockout in person, he said, ‘’I worked out my strategy by directly watching his fight.’’

In this connection, Gibbons, the head of MP Promotions of the U.S., said, ‘’We came here to win. Tapales is sure to become the Philippines’ first undisputed champion. He is no Fulton. It appeared to me Fulton had become intimidated.’’

‘’I hope Tapales will show his psychological toughness. If Tapales wins, the rematch with Inoue would be the first choice because he gave us this opportunity,’’ Gibbons added.

Ohashi gym head Hideyuki Ohashi said, ‘’I caught a glimpse of him being a hard puncher, although he was hitting lightly (to the bag). Unlike the fight with Fulton, which was a win-lose fight, the fight with Tapales would be a fight whether you can knock him down or being knocked down.

Inoue’s trainer and father Shingo Inoue commented, ‘’We have to be careful about his left uppercut that follows a right jab as well as his overhand left while moving forward. Otherwise, I don’t think he can hit Naoya, who is stronger in every aspect.’’

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.