Filipino boxing fans are in for another big fight as Mark Vicelles takes on defending IBF World Light Flyweigh Champion Thanongsak Simsri on September 26 in Fuji, Japan.
While Vicelles does not yet carry the name recognition among casual boxing fans, he certainly has a chance to change that when he steps into the ring against the defending champion.
Unexpected Chance
The fighting pride of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, initially went to Japan with the mindset of giving up on his boxing career and simply working to make a living. But faith had a different plan.
Vicelles, who currently holds a 21-3-1 record, instead found himself back inside the squared circle after his employer became convinced that he wasn't done with boxing. Since moving to Japan, Vicelles has added three fights to his resume and captured the OPBF Light Flyweight Championship last April against fellow Filipino Carlo Diaz.
“Unexpected, magtrabaho lang sana ako dito sa Japan, pero tiwala sa akin ang boss ko dito.”
— Mark Vicelles
Mark was on vacation in the Philippines when he received a call and a hint of big news coming from his handlers in Japan. Upon his return to Japan, his team invited him to the gym and broke the news: he would be fighting for a world title against Thanongsak Simsri.
“Wala ako ka-malay-malay. Totoo? Sabi ko, eto na yung hinahanap ko, ito na pag-asa ko makalaban ng world title fight.”
— Mark Vicelles
Mark Vicelles vs. Thanongsak Simsri: Thoughts and Prediction
Thanongsak Simsri (40-1-0) is a Thai fighter accustomed to visiting Japan and winning his fights. He captured the coveted, though disputed, IBF World Title against Christian Araneta and is not looking past Vicelles.
In an interview with Anson Wainwright of Ring Magazine, Simsri acknowledged that Vicelles is strong and highly experienced. Simsri, who is defending his belt for the second time, is focused on being in his best form and building his legacy.
From the author's perspective, Simsri is definitely the wide favorite in this fight. He possesses not only excellent skills but also tremendous knockout power. In his last fight, he easily disposed of challenger Sergio Alfonso Mendoza Cordova in two rounds.
Vicelles has been stopped before. While he may arguably be tougher than Cordova, defense will be a major factor in this fight because one punch could change everything.
Vicelles is no stranger to fighting power punchers, but this has also been his Achilles' heel, as his defeats have come against aggressive, offensively minded fighters.
Vicelles must stay tight defensively while remaining active with his counterpunches. Simsri acknowledges that he is the visitor in this fight, and he may be looking to be more aggressive because of it.
I feel that this could end in a late-round stoppage, favoring the fighter with the better stamina.
What's Next: Unification or Suganob?
Simsri revealed in his interview with Ring Magazine that he has watched the Regie Suganob vs. Sivenathi Nontshinga IBF Title Eliminator. He recognizes the winner, Regie Suganob, who has been clamoring for a chance at a world title fight.
However, it looks like Simsri may be favoring a unification fight against one of the other champions in the division.
IBF President Daryl Peoples was in Bohol during Suganob's victory and said that he believes the Filipino deserves to be next. However, he also noted that a unification fight may become the priority if Simsri wins.
If Mark Vicelles wins, though, the direction could be very different.
The two Filipinos also have history together, with Vicelles losing to Suganob back in 2023.
That makes this fight even more interesting.
If Simsri retains the title, Suganob could still be waiting for his opportunity. But if Vicelles pulls off the upset, the IBF picture could suddenly become a very different story—with two Filipinos now connected to the world title and a past rivalry potentially becoming relevant again.
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