Thailand’s IBF World Champion Thanongsak Simsri departed Bangkok today for Japan, where he will make the second defense of his Light Flyweight title.
Simsri, 26, is Thailand’s only reigning world boxing champion.
With him is longtime coach Poom Kosonset, the man who guided him through the switch from Muay Thai to pro boxing at age 18.
The champion will spend the next few weeks at Green Tsuda Boxing Gym in Japan, putting the final touches on what promises to be his toughest title defense yet.
The showdown is set for Saturday, September 26, in Shizuoka, Fuji, Japan.
Managed and promoted by a Japanese outfit, the slugger from Sisaket brings frightening numbers into the ring: 40-1 with 35 KOs, an 85 percent knockout rate.
Simsri captured the IBF 108-lb belt last June by edging Filipino Christian "The Bomb" Araneta in a close, controversial split decision.
Two Japanese judges scored it for Simsri, while the judge from Poland had it for the Filipino.
Despite the controversy, Simsri is widely regarded as one of the division’s best — an aggressive, relentless pressure fighter with thunder in both hands.
Standing in his way is the Philippines’ own Mark "Rasta Mac" Vicelles.
The 30-year-old southpaw from Lebak, Sultan Kudarat — the proud “Land of Peace and Promise” in Mindanao — is preparing for the biggest fight of his career.
A former WBO Asia Pacific champion and current IBF number 13 contender, Vicelles enters with a solid 21-2-1, 11 KOs record.
The confident Filipino is a sharp counter-puncher with impressive footwork and the heart of a lion.
On September 26, the former Omega Gym star will be in peak condition, fully determined to dethrone Simsri and bring the red-and-gold IBF belt home to the Philippines.
Simsri knows he’s in for a war!
And we know our Pinoy warrior has what it takes to pull off the upset.
Laban, Vicelles! Laban, Pilipinas!
May the best man win — and may the Filipino bring the gold home!
Written by Carlos Costa — Cebu, Philippines 🇵🇭 carlos@philboxing.com
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