Cesar Juarez vs. Marlon Tapales possible for interim WBO title

With Jessie Magdaleno out of action until 2018, challenger Cesar Juarez faces a frustrating wait before his next shot at a world title, one he doesn’t appear willing to it through. His team is reportedly in talks with former bantamweight champ and current WBO #2 Marlon Tapales for an interim title clash, which could take place on the original November 11th date or sometime later.

Juarez (20-5, 15 KO) has won three straight, two by knockout, since an upset loss to 15-4 Giovanni Delgado in what was supposed to be a get-well fight following Juarez’s loss to Nonito Donaire. He did, however, immediately rebound from the Delgado loss by defying almost seven-to-one odds to knock out unbeaten Albert Pagara.

Tapales (30-2, 13 KO), the “Maranding Nightmare,” knocked out Pungluang Sor Singyu in the eleventh while down on two cards to win the WBO bantamweight strap, which he lost on the scale prior to stopping Shohei Omori for the second time in three fights. He has yet to fight in 2017.

It’s a darn good fight if it comes together, one between young, capable super bantamweights with impressive finishes in recent fights.