INQUE TOO FAST, STRONG FOR TAPALES

Marlon Tapales of the Philippines got it right when he said during Sunday's press conference that the fight won't last the distance.

- ABAC CORDERO

But it was Naoya Inoue of Japan, known as "The Monster," who remained standing in the end in their super-bantamweight unification fight at the packed Ariake Arena.

Inoue, the overwhelming favorite, needed a couple of rounds to size up Tapales. But once he did, it was pretty evident who the better fighter was on this very cold evening here.

"Hindi man ako pinalad, ginawa ko lahat," said Tapales during the post-fight press conference.

"Magaling si Inoue tsaka mabilis. Mabilis talaga so hindi ko masabayan. I did my best to perform in the ring," added Tapales.

Nicknamed "Nightmare," Tapales went down once in the fourth round, and then for good in the 10th after taking a long right straight to the head as he tried to back away from another right straight. He went down on his knees, tried to feel himself but couldn't get up.

The 31-year-old Filipino was in tears while being hugged by his manager, JC Manangquil, on top of the ring. He had vowed to beat Inoue or go down fighting.

Inoue ended up with all four belts (WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO) in his corner, becoming only the second boxer in history to become undisputed world champion in two weight divisions.

The 30-year-old Inoue, now undefeated in 26 fights with 23 knockouts, followed the footsteps of Terence Crawford (light-welterweight and welterweight).