BOXING

Vicelles guns for IBF light-fly crown

Nick Giongco · Jul 25, 2026, 2:37 AM

MARK Vicelles eyes a big upset when he battles Thanongsak Simsri of Thailand on 26 September in Shizuoka, Japan. — PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Mark Vicelles

Japan-based Filipino Mark Vicelles shoots for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light-flyweight crown on 26 September in Shizuoka, Japan.

His opponent, defending champion Thanongsak Simsri, however, poses serious problems.

The Thai puncher holds a 40-1-0 win-loss-draw card with 35 knockouts.

But Vicelles, ranked No. 13 by the IBF in the 108-pound class, believes he has what it takes to score an upset in the scheduled 12-rounder taking place at the Fujisanmesse, a venue located on the foot of the majestic Mt. Fuji.

Vicelles holds a 21-2-1 slate with 11 knockouts and is a current Orient-Pacific Boxing Federation champion.

The Philippines only has one reigning world champion at the moment in Pedro Taduran, the IBF minimumweight titlist.