RISING prospect Marlon “The Nightmare” Tapales (21W-1L, 7 KOs) will trade punches with Danilo Peña in the main event of a fight card set at the Panphil B. Frasco Sports Complex in Lilo-an, Cebu on Feb. 23.
Last October, Tapales showed that he deserves a spot on the big stage when he scored a second round knockout win over Rasmanudin of Indonesia at the Mall of Asia Arena on the undercard of the WBO bantamweight title bout between Pungluang Sor Singyu and AJ Banal.
Peña (26W-15L-2D, 11 KOs) has lost his last three fights in Thailand. He does own a 4th round knockout win over Sonny Boy Jaro in 2007. This is the same Jaro who would become WBC flyweight champion in 2012.
Peña is also a former Philippine super flyweight champion, having beaten Marvin Tampus by unanimous decision in 2009. Tapales vs Peña is a ten round non-title affair.
Also set to see action are RJ Anoos vs. Giovanie Rota (10 rounds) and unbeaten prospect Rajah Renoel Pael (10W-0L-1D, 4 KOs) vs. Ryan Bongcawil (10 rounds).
There will be seven more undercard matches in the card promoted by Rex ‘Wakee’ Salud and Naris Singwangcha of Thailand and sponsored by Liloan Mayor Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco and the Liloan municipal government.
The fights will be aired on GMA TV. /Correspondent Rene Bonsubre Jr