Vicelles lands IBF world title shot against Simsri in Japan

CEBU CITY, Philippines — In a surprising development, world-rated Filipino light flyweight Mark “Rasta Mac” Vicelles has secured a shot at the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight world title against reigning champion Thanongsak Simsri of Thailand.

Vicelles announced the title opportunity through a Facebook post on Friday, July 10.

The former Omega Boxing Gym standout, who relocated to Japan last year in search of better opportunities, has quickly found success under his new promoter based in Shizuoka.

READ: Boxer Mark Vicelles earns recognition in Shizuoka, Japan

“Malaking pasasalamat sa aking amo at manager dito sa Japan na binigyan ako ng chance makalaban sa World Title Fight. Isang karangalan dahil minsan lang ito dumating sa buhay ko. Asahan niyo na gagawin ko ang lahat at ibibigay ko ang aking buong makakaya. Itong laban na ‘to ay inaalay ko para sa aking girlfriend, sa aking pamilya, sa mga taong naniniwala at sumusuporta sa akin sa Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, at higit sa lahat sa ating mahal na Panginoon,” said Vicelles.

Now fighting under Suruga Danji Boxing Gym, Vicelles has steadily built his profile in Japan. Last month, he even received recognition from the governor of Shizuoka for his achievements.

READ: Mark Vicelles shows heart, but loses to Tomioka by TKO in Japan

Vicelles has also bounced back well from his unanimous decision loss to PMI Bohol Boxing Stable’s Regie Suganob in their 2023 IBF world title eliminator in Bohol.

Since that defeat, the 29-year-old has compiled a 4-1 record. Although he dropped his Japanese debut to Kosuke Tomioka, he rebounded with four straight victories, including a unanimous decision win over fellow Filipino Carlo Diaz VII.

The world title fight is scheduled for Sept. 26 in Shizuoka, Japan.

Interestingly, Simsri has already faced one of Vicelles’ former Omega Boxing Gym stablemates. The Thai champion successfully defended the IBF light flyweight crown against Christian Araneta in 2025 before making another successful title defense against Mexico’s Sergio Cordova in Tokyo last April.

On paper, Simsri enters the bout as the more accomplished fighter, boasting a record of 40 wins, 35 by knockout, against just one loss.

Vicelles, meanwhile, carries a respectable 21-2-1 record with 11 knockouts as he prepares for the biggest fight of his professional career.

The matchup has also raised eyebrows, with Vicelles currently ranked No. 13 by the IBF and No. 15 by the WBC. His title shot comes despite the top two contenders Regie Suganob and South Africa’s Sivenathi Nontshinga being scheduled to meet in an IBF world title eliminator rematch this September in Bohol.

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