Grabbed from the FB page of Mark Vicelles
CEBU CITY, Philippines— Omega Boxing Gym’s up-and-coming pugilist Mark “Thunder” Vicelles has set his eyes on the bigger prize. Vicelles is scheduled to spearhead one of Omega Pro Sports International’s (OPSI) one-day double boxing event billed as “Kumbati 8 & 9” slated on March 27 at the IPI complex in Mandaue City.
In an interview with CDN Digital, the unbeaten 25-year old Vicelles from Sultan Kudarat revealed that he wants to fight world boxing champions if the opportunity presents itself.
“Ako-a jud gusto kontrahon ang mga world champions nga sila si Elwin Soto ug si Kenshiro Teraji,” Vicelles told CDN Digital.
(I wanted to fight world champions like Elwin Soto and Kenshiro Teraji.)
“Kung matagaan ko ug chance makaduwa bisan kinsa nilang duha sa world championship, andam ko para ana.”
(If given a chance, I am willing to fight any of the two world championships.)
Soto, from Mexico, is the reigning WBO world light flyweight champion while Teraji from Japan is the current WBC world light flyweight king.
Although facing either of these two world champions is still a distant possibility, Vicelles is out to prove to his promoters and Filipino boxing fans that he is ready for the bigger stage of boxing.
Vicelles is scheduled to fight Arnold Garde of General Santos City for a 10-rounder non-title bout in the main event of Kumbati 8. Vicelles’ unblemished record is 12 victories, one draw with six knockouts. He is the reigning WBA Asia South light flyweight and Philippines Visayas Professional Boxing Association (PVPBA) light flyweight champion.
His opponent, Garde, meanwhile, has a 10-10-3 (win-loss-draw) record with four knockouts.
“Akong inspiration para mahimong world champion ako-ang pamilya ug ako-ang girlfriend nga si Kimberly Allon,” said Vicelles.
(I take inspiration to become a world champion from my family and girlfriend Kimberly Allon.)
“Ako-a jud pangandoy ang mahimong world champion. Mao na akong gipaningkamotan mahitabo sa akong kinabuhi para pud na sa akong hometown sa Lebak (Sultan Kudarat).”
(It is my dream to become a world champion. This is the reason why I am working very hard for myself and for my home town in Lebak.)
Vicelles recently recovered from an eye injury which he sustained during a sparring session with a fellow Omega Gym boxer a few months ago. He underwent eye surgery but had a speedy recovery and went back to training.
“Sa pag ka karon nag focus nami ug sparring, skills ug conditioning training. Minor ra man to nga injury mao pasalamat ko kay dali ra naayo. Wala ra ko na pressure ani nga fight pero kahibalo ko nga akong kontra kay veteran, mao paningkamotan nako nga nindot akong ipakita sa ring,” Vicelles stated.
(We are now doing sparring, skills, and conditioning training. It was just a minor injury and I am grateful that I was able to immediately recover. I do not feel any pressure for my upcoming fight but I am well aware that I will be up against a veteran fighter that is why I will be doing my best.)
Kumbati 8’s fight card comprises five bouts starting at 1 p.m. followed by Kumbati 9 happening at 7 p.m. of the same day. / dcb
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