Marlon "Maranding Nightmare" Tapales retains WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight title in front of 5000 hometown fans at Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) Gymnasium in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

Marlon Tapales retains title in Lanao del Norte, against challenger Fadhili Majiha of Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania via unanimous decision with the scores of 119-108, 117-110 and 117-110.

[Read Also: http://theboxingdiary.com/2014/06/marlon-tapales-fights-in-front-of-hometown-crowd.html]

The taller challenger, Majiha imposed himself early on the fight as he wobbled the champion in the second round with a straight right hand, exactly on the jaw of Tapales. That punch really hurt Tapales, but he was able to weather the storm in the second round and came back strong.

In the sixth round, Tapales made his turn, not just hurting the gutsy challenger, but dropping Majiha hard to the floor. Tapales landed a crisp left that took referee Danrex Tapdasan up to the count of eight before Majiha got up on his feet.

After the knockdown, Majiha, 20 years old, was never the same fighter. He became too scared to engage and looking only to survive.

The 22 year old Tapales now improved his records to 26 wins, 9 by way of knockout and with only 2 defeats. And Majiha dropped to 15 wins, 7 by stoppage, 4 defeats and 4 draws.

The crowd were truly entertained although they didn't get the desired knockout finished.

The boxing event is one of the highlights of the 55th Araw nga Lanao del Norte celebration organized by the Provincial LGU in partnership with Minoru Harada Boxing Promotions.

Bantamweight prospect Marlon "Maranding Nightmare" Tapales is scheduled to fight Tanzania's Fadhili Majiha for Tapales' WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight title on 28 June in front of his hometown fans at the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) Gymnasium, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines.

Tapales (25-2,9 KO's) who now trained under Wakee Salud  became the regional belt holder when he outpointed his countryman Fredirex Rodriguez in over 12 Rounds of action in Waterfront Hotel & Casino, Cebu City on 1st Aug. 2013. On Saturday, Tapales will have the chance to defend his title in front of his hometown fans. The bout is scheduled for 12 Rounds.

Tapales enjoyed a 4-fight winning streak since losing a majority on the road against David Sanchez of Mexico in February last year. According to boxing observers, the Tanzanian challenger Fadhili Majiha, is the toughest test of the 22 years old Tapales' career.

Majiha who boasts a record of 15 wins, 3 losses, 4 draws and 7 knock-out is a heavy-handed fighter. He is 5-1 in his last six fights.

The hometown fans are gearing up to see their boxing hero back in action in their place. Tapales is fighting outside his native Lanao del Norte since 2011. He's been fighting also outside the country and gained prominence when he fought and won in the under-card of Paquiao-Mosley fight held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Here's the under-card of the Tapales-Majiha fight card:

• Reymond Dayham of Malaybalay City vs. Jerson Luzarito of Butuan City


• Belmar Plaza from Lala, Lanao del Norte vs. Jaysever Abcede of Valencia City


• Ritchie Mipranum from Sarangani Province vs. Rogen Flores of Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte

The officials of the bout are the following:

• Danrex Tapdasan - Refere


• Roel Densing - Judge


• Tony Pesons - Judge


• Salven Lagumbay - Judge


• Antonio M. Comia - Supervisor

The boxing event is one of the highlights of the 55th Araw nga Lanao del Norte celebration organized by the Provincial LGU in partnership with Minoru Harada Boxing Promotions. On July 3, Yeng Constantino holds a concert on the same venue, which is also a part of founding day celebration of the province of Lanao del Norte.