Anson Wainwright
Jan 28, 2026
1 min read
IBF junior flyweight titlist Thanongsak Simsri had known for a while his first defense would be against his mandatory Sergio Mendoza, but now knows the details. It will take place at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall on April 13.
Simsri (39-1, 34 KOs) won the vacant title when he climbed off the canvas to score a 12-round split decision win over Christian Araneta on June 19.
Meanwhile, Mendoza (27-0, 23 KOs) earned his title shot when taking out Mpumelelo Tshabalala with a third-round knockout in his hometown of Hermosillo, Mexico on November 22.
It promises to be an exciting fight between two powerful punchers on neutral territory.
Simsri, The Ring's No. 3-rated junior flyweight, ran through his first 24 opponents before coming unstuck against Masamichi Yabuki, who had just finished a two-fight series with Kenshiro Teraji.
After an eight-fight winning run featuring early knockouts against overmatched opposition, the 25-year-old marked his return to the elite ranks with a 12-round points win over Miel Fajardo for a vacant regional title.
Defenses against John Paul Gabunilas (TKO5) and Masataka Taniguchi (SD12) followed, before claiming the vacant IBF belt against Araneta last summer.
Mendoza, also 25, who is unranked by The Ring at 108 pounds, has been a pro since 2018, where fighting exclusively in his homeland.
"Yoreme" holds wins over veteran campaigners Erick Lopez (SD 10) and Joel Cordova (UD 10), while also catching the eye when stopping his once-beaten compatriot Angel Ramos inside three rounds in September 2024.
Questions/comments can be sent to Anson at elraincoat@live.co.uk and you can follow him on X @AnsonWainwr1ght
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