Filipino boxer Marlon Tapales became the new unified WBA and IBF super bantamweight champion after emerging victorious against Murodjon Akhmadaliev on Saturday, April 8, in San Antonio Texas.

Tapales won via split decision, 115-113, 115-113, 118-110, against his Uzbekistani foe in the 12-round bout.

The win allowed the 30-year-old former WBO bantamweight champion to improve his professional record to 37 wins, 19 knockouts, and 3 losses.

Meanwhile, Akhmadaliev tasted his first defeat in 12 fights.