Thanongsak Simsri Turns Attention Toward Regie Suganob After Vicelles Win
Thailand’s Thanongsak Simsri continued his reign of dominance at 108 pounds, retaining his IBF junior flyweight title with a second-round stoppage of Mark Vicelles. With another successful defense behind him, Simsri’s next assignment will be a mandatory title defense against fellow Filipino Regie Suganob.
SIMSRI GOES TO WORK
Fighting at the Fujisan Messe in Shizuoka, Japan, Simsri (41-1, 36 KOs) initially appeared to be in for a competitive contest against Vicelles (21-3-1, 11 KOs). However, the defending champion quickly changed the complexion of the fight in the second round.
Within the opening minute, Simsri connected with a powerful straight right hand that sent Vicelles to the canvas. The Thai champion continued applying pressure, dropping the Filipino challenger for a second time midway through the round with another punishing right hand. Simsri then unleashed a barrage of hard punches. He forced the referee to step in and stop the contest with approximately one minute remaining in the second stanza.
The victory further strengthens Simsri’s position among the leading fighters in the junior flyweight division.
SUGANOB IS NEXT IN LINE
Simsri believes he is the best fighter in the world at 108 pounds and has expressed interest in pursuing a unification fight in 2027. Before those plans can materialize, however, the IBF champion must fulfill his mandatory obligations. That means facing Suganob, who earned his mandatory challenger status with a fifth-round stoppage of two-time junior flyweight champion Sivenathi Nontshinga in their September 12 rematch in Tagbilaran City, Philippines.
The contest was an IBF junior flyweight world title eliminator, putting Suganob directly in line for a shot at Simsri. Prior to his beating Vicelles, Simsri acknowledged that his mandatory defense must take place by the end of January 2027.
The champion continues to dispatch challengers in impressive fashion. A showdown with Suganob will provide another opportunity for Simsri to demonstrate his standing at 108 pounds before potentially pursuing unification bouts.
Be the first to comment