Araneta-Simsri IBF title clash set

All is set for the battle for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) light-flyweight crown featuring Filipino knockout artist Christian Araneta and Thai Thanongsak Simsri.

The venue will be the 4,200-seater Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan and the thrilling title fight is scheduled 19 June.

The title was declared vacant after Japanese Masamichi Yabuki decided to move up in weight.

Araneta, 30, brings to the ring a sterling win-loss-draw record of 25-2-0 with 20 knockouts.

Simsri, 24, who parades an equally sparkling mark of 38-1-0 with 34 knockouts, has fought extensively in Japan.

Representing Omega Boxing Gym of Cebu City, Araneta is already neck-deep in his preparations for the much-awaited crack at glory.

Araneta’s last two fights ended in the first round.

If victorious, Araneta will join a stellar cast of Filipino world champions in the 108-lb class.

Among the celebrated Filipino light-fly titleholders include Rolando Pascua, Brian Viloria and John Riel Casimero.