CRISTIAN Araneta is finally getting his long-awaited shot at a world title as he faces Thai contender Thanongsak Simsri for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) light-flyweight belt on June 19, 2025, at the Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.
“After 12 years, yes, he finally got the opportunity,” Omega Boxing Gym head coach Jinggoy Junco told SunStar Cebu, referring to Araneta’s extensive professional career. “Great things don’t come easy. Through the years, we’ve been working very hard for this opportunity to come. Now that it’s in front of us, we will make sure to get the job done. Cristian is ready. I believe in him. He is mature enough for this fight. He is at the peak of his career.”
Araneta has been ranked inside the top 10 of the IBF light-flyweight division for years now, and he finally earned his shot at the world championship.
However, his road to this world title shot wasn’t easy. He needed three attempts to reach mandatory status.
Araneta first fought for an IBF light-flyweight title eliminator in 2019 against Daniel Valladares in Mexico. Unfortunately, he suffered a shoulder injury and was forced to retire in the fourth round.
In 2021, he fought another eliminator bout against Sivenathi Nontshinga in South Africa, where he lost by a close unanimous decision.
The third time was the charm for Araneta, as he finally earned the No. 1 spot after an impressive first-round stoppage of Arvin Magramo in another IBF title eliminator last year in Cebu City.
The IBF light-flyweight belt was recently vacated by Masamachi Yabuki, who moved up to the flyweight division last month. This also opened an opportunity for Simsri, who is ranked second by the IBF.
Simsri is an experienced pug despite being just 24 years old. He boasts victories over former world champion Masataka Taniguchi and Pinoy warriors Miel Fajardo and John Paul Gabunilas. Simsri’s only loss came at the hands of Yabuki, who stopped him via technical knockout in the seventh round in 2022.
“He’s a good fighter, rugged, and tough. But at the end of the day, Araneta’s skill will be the deciding factor,” said Junco.
Araneta boasts an impressive win-loss record of 24-2 with 20 knockouts, while Simsri is equally formidable with a 38-1 slate and 34 knockouts.