Now no. 2 in WBO light flyweight rankings, Vicelles is closer to world title shot

Mark Vicelles is flanked by fellow Omega Boxing Gym boxer Christian Araneta (left) and Omega Boxing Gym chief trainer Julius Erving Junco (right). | Photo from Vicelles’s Facebook page

CEBU CITY, Philippines—Omega Boxing Gym’s unbeaten prospect Mark “Rasta Mac” Vicelles is inching closer to getting a world title shot.

The 26-year-old Lebak, Sultan Kudarat native has been elevated to the No. 2 spot of the World Boxing Organization’s (WBO) light flyweight division in the latest rankings.

This development means that his chances of landing a world title shot is brighter than ever before. The current WBO world light flyweight champion is Jonathan Gonzales of Puerto Rico.

“Dako kaayo akoa kalipay na gamay nalang jud kuwang mga dula nako ug world title. Mag bunga na jud ang akoang mga paningkamot,” said Vicelles.

The 31-year-old Gonzales snatched the world title from long-time titleholder Elwin Soto last year by escaping with a split decision victory in their fight held in Fresno, California.

Meanwhile, Vicelles fought three times last year and won two of those bouts via knockouts. 

In March last year, he defeated Richard Rosales via a fourth-round knockout in Mandaue City. He then proved his worth as a top-caliber boxer by scoring a last-second knockout against erstwhile unbeaten Jerven Mama in July also in Mandaue. 

Vicelles holds a record of 16 wins, nine by knockouts, and one draw.

“Wala ra man ko na pressure, nag expect jud ko nga ako-a ranking mosaka ra gyud na kay tungod sige ko ug duwa. Andam na sad kaayo ko makaduwa ug world title fight. Sa akong edad karon sakto na jud para maka duwa ug world championship,” said Vicelles.

“Ako-ang promise sa akong kaugalingon ug sa ako-ang pamilya, manager, ug coaches, ako jud kuhaon ang belt sa world champion,” he added.

/bmjo

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