Vicelles targets Simsri’s IBF plum

Japan-based Mark Vicelles attempts to crown himself as the Philippines’ second world champion when he battles defending champion Thanongsak Simsri of Thailand for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light-flyweight throne on Saturday in Fuji, Shizuoka, Japan.

During the official weighin, Vicelles stepped on the scales at 107.1 pounds while Simsri came in at 106.9.

The division limit is 108 pounds.

Simsri, 26, will be putting his IBF 108-pound strap for only the second time and knows the threats being posed by Vicelles.

Simsri enters the ring with a glowing 40-1-0 win-loss-draw card with 35 knockouts while Vicelles holds a 21-2-1 with 11 wins inside the distance.

“The match on September 26th is another crucial one for me, so I certainly won’t be taking anything for granted,” Simsri told the online edition of The Ring magazine.

“My opponent is strong, highly experienced, and possesses a dangerous counterattack, so I won’t let my guard down for even a split second.”

“The match will take place in Japan, but since the event is being organized by my opponent’s manager, I need to secure a decisive victory. We will have to work hard, prepare thoroughly, and remain vigilant for this fight,” he said.

Driving Simsri to retain the title is the fact that he is Thailand’s only world boxing champion at the moment.

“I will give my absolute best in every match and create a legacy for the Thai professional boxing scene,” he added.

If victorious against Simsri, Vicelles will join Pedro Taduran as the Philippines’ only reigning world champions.