The next step in that journey is the second defense of his IBF title against Mark Vicelles on Saturday at the Fujisanmesse, which is at the foot of Mount Fuji in Japan.

"The match on September 26th is another crucial one for me, so I certainly won't be taking anything for granted," Simsri (40-1, 35 KOs) told The Ring. "My opponent is strong, highly experienced, and possesses a dangerous counterattack, so I won't let my guard down for even a split second."

Simsri, rated No. 2 by The Ring at 108 pounds, is a regular visitor to Japan, having fought three of his last four fights there. That's also the case for his Filipino challenger.

"The match will take place in Japan, but since the event is being organized by my opponent's manager, I need to secure a decisive victory," Simsri said. "We will have to work hard, prepare thoroughly, and remain vigilant for this fight."

The 26-year-old is the only current world champion from Thailand and is acutely aware of what this means.

"I feel a responsibility to perform my absolute best in every competition, as this is key to restoring the prestige and public faith in Thai boxing to the glorious heights of the past," he said.

"I will give my absolute best in every match and create a legacy for the Thai professional boxing scene."

The defending champion enters this fight on the back of a second-round demolition job of his mandatory challenger Sergio Mendoza on April 1, but isn't resting on his laurels.

"The last match was certainly an impressive experience," he said. "But I definitely won't be complacent heading into this one, because I know my opponent is just as eager to beat me and claim the world title."

Simsri recently saw Regie Suganob get off the canvas and stop Sivenathi Nonthshinga in five-rounds in an IBF eliminator, and knows he must face him by January 13 of the coming year.

"I would like to congratulate him and his team on their decisive victory over Nontshinga," he said. "He possesses an aggressive and powerful fighting style; if I were to face him, I would certainly need to train to the absolute best of my ability."

However, he also has aspirations of a unification that would supersede his next mandatory obligation.

"Regarding my next fight – assuming I get past this one – I definitely want to keep fighting and win titles from every organization," he said.

Vicelles (21-2-1, 11 KOs) has been a professional for a decade. He gained traction with a pair of first-round knockouts over countrymen Richard Claveras and Jaysever Abcede in 2022. However, he was upset by Regie Suganob (TD 8) in an IBF eliminator in February 2023.

The 30-year-old southpaw righted the ship with three wins before he was stopped by Kosuke Tomioka (TKO 7) at flyweight last September. He got back in the win column earlier this year when he beat Carlo Diaz (UD 10) back at junior flyweight. Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at elraincoat@live.co.uk and you can follow him on X @AnsonWainwright