Filipino boxer Mark Vicelles is determined to make the most of his rare world title opportunity when he faces Thai champion Thanongsak Simsri for the IBF light flyweight crown on Sept. 26 in Shizuoka, Japan.
Vicelles said he was surprised to receive the title shot despite being ranked No. 15 but vowed to give his all to become a world champion.
The 21-2-1 fighter with 11 knockouts will face Simsri, who holds a 40-1 record and has defeated Filipino boxers Miel Fajardo and Christian Araneta.
Vicelles is also motivated by the chance to become only the second active Filipino world champion after minimumweight titleholder Pedro Taduran.
The Sultan Kudarat native is receiving strong support from Japanese boxers and fellow residents in Shizuoka, where he also works as a trainer.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 17, 2026
Latest from Sport
For the first time in a decade, Ateneo will have a coach other than Tab Baldwin
Gilas Pilipinas suffered a crushing 105-61 loss to China in the Asian Games, ending its bid
The Philippine Women’s National Team is confident heading into its Asian Games opener against Uzbekistan, with
Elena Rybakina captured her first US Open title and rose to the world No. 1 ranking
Alex Eala made her runway debut at the Tory Burch show during New York Fashion Week
