Two knockdowns end Vicelles’ title challenge
Thanongsak Simsri retained his IBF light-flyweight world title by stopping Filipino challenger Mark Vicelles in the second round at Fujisanmesse in Fuji, Japan, on September 26.
The Ring reported that referee Koji Tanaka halted the contest at 2 minutes, 10 seconds of the round after Simsri had scored two knockdowns. The Thai champion improved to 41 wins and one defeat, with 36 stoppages. Vicelles fell to 21–3–1.
Vicelles had made it through the opening round, but Simsri’s right hand changed the fight in the second. The challenger went down twice before another sustained attack prompted the referee to intervene. The victory was Simsri’s second successful defence of the 108-pound title.
The result also keeps another Filipino contender in the championship picture. Regie Suganob earned the IBF’s mandatory-challenger position by stopping Sivenathi Nontshinga in the fifth round of their September 12 eliminator in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, according to SunStar.
Ahead of the Simsri–Vicelles bout, Suganob’s promoter said he would try to bring the ensuing title fight to Bohol early next year. That remains an ambition rather than a confirmed venue or date.
Simsri has also expressed interest in unifying titles in the division. His win over Vicelles settles this defence, while the timing and terms of his next championship bout still await confirmation.