An all-Filipino world title fight looms on the horizon.

This could happen if the Japan-based Mark Vicelles dethrones Thailand’s Thanongsak Simsri next week in their International Boxing Federation (IBF) light-flyweight title clash in Fuji, Shizuoka, Japan.

The IBF has ordered that the winner of the 26 September showdown at the Fujisan Messe will have to defend against mandatory challenger Regie Suganob, who knocked out Sivenathi Nontshinga of South Africa in five rounds last week in Tagbilaran, Bohol.

This early, the handlers of Suganob have expressed the desire to stage their fighter’s world title shot next year. Suganob is represented by PMI Boxing, owned and operated by CPA/lawyer Floriezyl Echavez Podot with two-time world title challenger Edito “Ala” Villamor as chief consultant.

However, the unheralded Vicelles has to come up with a super strong showing to score an upset and set up a date with Suganob.

Vicelles insists that he is driven and motivated to defeat Simsri, who has beaten all four Filipinos who got the chance to share the ring with him, including top flyweight contender Miel Fajardo.

Recently, Vicelles was visited by Hideyuki Ohashi, who runs Ohashi Promotions, which has Naoya “Monster” Inoue as its top talent.