All set for Araneta-Simsri IBF world title duel
Cristian Araneta (left) and Thanongsak Simsri (right). | Omega Boxing Gym photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines — It’s all or nothing for Cristian “The Bomb” Araneta. After enduring setbacks and injuries, Araneta will not get his first world title shot.
The pride of Borbon, Cebu, Araneta is on the brink of history as he steps into the ring for the biggest fight of his career, a shot at the vacant IBF world light flyweight title against Thai knockout artist Thanongsak Simsri.
Their 12-round clash is the co-main event of Ohashi Promotions’ “Lemino Boxing” card on Thursday, June 19, at the Ota City Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.
READ: Cristian Araneta nears peak form for world title shot
The two fighters faced off for the first time during Wednesday’s official weigh-in. Araneta hit the scales at a ripped 107.58 pounds, while Simsri came in slightly lighter at 107.14 lbs.
A win on Thursday would catapult Araneta into elite company. He would join Melvin Jerusalem and Pedro Taduran as one of only three current Filipino world champions—and become the fifth Cebuano to ever win a world title, following legends like Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, Bernabe Villacampo, Malcolm Tuñacao, and Rodel Mayol.
FEARSOME RECORD
But standing in his way is arguably the most dangerous opponent he’s ever faced.
Simsri, 25, is a wrecking ball with a fearsome record of 38 wins, 34 knockouts and only one defeat. That’s a staggering 90% knockout rate. He’s no stranger to fighting in Japan, and he’s no stranger to Filipino opponents either having knocked out the likes of John Paul Gabunilas and Miel Fajardo.
Currently ranked No. 2 by the IBF behind Araneta, Simsri enters the ring with momentum, power, and confidence.
Araneta, 30, carries a 25-2 record with 20 knockouts and has been on a tear since 2021, riding a six-fight win streak after a close loss in a world title eliminator to Sivenathi Nontshinga in South Africa. A southpaw who stands 5-foot-4, Araneta may be giving up a slight edge in power, but he brings experience, grit, and a renewed hunger to finally wear a world championship belt.
Simsri, slightly shorter at 5-foot-3 ½, fights orthodox and is expected to press the action early.
In the main event, Brian Norman Jr. takes on Japan’s Jin Sasaki for the WBO world welterweight crown.
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