Araneta guns for IBF crown in Japan today
CEBU, Philippines — Cebuano knockout artist Christian “The Bomb” Araneta of Omega Gym steps on the biggest stage of his career as he battles against Thai power puncher Thanongsak Simsri in a 12-round rumble for the IBF light flyweight belt today (Thursday, June 19) at the Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.
Being the top two contenders, Araneta and Simsri earned the right to dispute the vacant crown after Japanese champion Masamichi Yabuki voluntarily abdicated his throne to campaign in the flyweight category.
After falling short in two IBF title eliminators against Mexico’s Daniel Valladares and South Africa’s
Sivenathi Nontshinga, the 30-year-old Araneta finally had the golden opportunity to take a shot at world glory for the first time.
As judgment day beckons, losing is not an option for the Mandaue City fighter.
“Nabuhat namo ang tanan nga angay buhaton gikan sa training, game plan, cut weight ug recovery. I have a good team behind me. A win is a must,” Araneta said.
“Hinaut nga suportaan ko sa akong mga kababayan labi na sa mga taga-Cebu to pray for me nga makuha nako ang kadaogan para sa ako pamilya, sa ako team, ug sa Pilipinas,” he added.
Araneta sports a 25-2 record with 20 knockouts, while Simsri holds a 38-1 slate with 34KOs.
If victorious, Araneta will become the third Filipino world champion this year after minimumweight titleholders Melvin “El Gringo” Jerusalem (WBC) and Pedro Taduran (IBF).
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