Tubod, Lanao del Norte – Junior flyweight king Marlon ‘d Bulldozer’ Tapales knocked out his formidable Thai opponent Yodpichai Sithsaithong in 1 minute 50 seconds of the fourth round in a lopsided battle that showcased the superiority of Tapales’ boxing skills.

Fighting in his home province of Lanao del Norte, Tapales took advantage of strong local support and put on a boxing clinic that resulted in the Filipino dominating every round.

“I’m thankful to all those who supported me, especially Governor Khalid Dimaporo who made this fight possible”, Tapales expressed.

The victory gave Tapales an impressive win-loss record of 18-1 with 6 knockouts.

The Kapatagan, Lanao del norte native recently won over Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation featherweight champion Allan Tanada (10-2-2, 5 KOs) in the undercard of the Pacquiao-Mosley fight last May 7 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

“Marlon (Tapales) will be the next boxing superstar from Lanao del Norte. In the next promotions, we will look for even tougher opponents for him perhaps a strong Mexican boxer”, Promoter Buboy Fernandez revealed.

Other winners in the supporting bouts were Johnny Gemino over Erwin Pulvera (TKO 2:36 of round 3); RJ Anoos over Godwin Tubigon (via unanimous decision); Israel Sapo over Lucky Lee Galano (TKO 1:36 of round 4); Romy Monding over Marlou Sandoval (via unanimous decision); Christian Saga over Arnold Meraltes (TKO 1:00 round 1); Jason Neri (won by TKO 1:44 round 1); and Mark Anthony Florida (won by TKO 2:10 round 2).

The boxing event dubbed as “Engkwentro sa Lanao del Norte” is one the highlights of the Araw ng Lanao del Norte International Motocross Invitationals and Motorsports Weekend.

The provincial government is considering to organize a boxing event simultaneous to its regular   hosting of international motocross competitions at its world-class sporting   facility – Mindanao Civic Center. VNL/PIO-LDN