Araneta secures title contest opportunity
Cristian "The Bomb" Araneta, a three-decade-old southpaw from Cebu, Philippines, is finally getting his shot at a world title as he squares off against 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 a long and grueling journey of 12 years, Cristian will finally test his mettle in a world championship bout. Jinggoy Junco, the head coach at Omega Boxing Gym, excitedly shared with our website Cebu, "After 12 years, yes, he finally got the opportunity." The coach continued, "Great things don't come easy. Through the years, we've been working our asses off for this opportunity to come. Now that it's here, we'll make damn sure to get it done. Cristian is ready. I bloody believe in him. He's matured enough for this fight. He's at the peak of his career."
For years, Cristian has been ranked inside the top 10 of the IBF light-flyweight division, but the path to the world championship title wasn't a walk in the park. He had to fight tooth and nail to earn those top spots, needing three attempts to solidify his position as the mandatory challenger.
His first shot at the title came in 2019 against Daniel Valladares in Mexico, but a shoulder injury forced him to retire in the fourth round. In 2021, he faced Sivenathi Nontshinga in South Africa and ended up falling short by a close unanimous decision.
But third time was a charm for Cristian, as he emerged victorious in another IBF title eliminator against Arvin Magramo last year in Cebu City with an impressive first-round stoppage. This victory sealed his No. 1 spot in the rankings, opening the door for the IBF light-flyweight title bout against Simsri.
The IBF light-flyweight belt was recently left vacant after Masamachi Yabuki moved up to the flyweight division last month. This unexpected opportunity also welcomed Simsri, who ranks second by the IBF and boasts victories over former world champion Masataka Taniguchi and Philippine warriors Miel Fajardo and John Paul Gabunilas. However, Simsri's only loss was at the hands of Yabuki, who stopped him via TKO in the seventh round in 2022.
"Simsri's a solid fighter, a real bruiser," said Junco. "But in the end, Cristian's skill is what's going to make the difference."
Cristian maintains a record of 24-2 with 20 knockouts, while Simsri boasts a formidable 38-1 slate with 34 knockouts. It's a battle of division heavyweights, with Cristian's left-handed stance and Simsri's counterpunching style creating an intriguing stylistic clash. Will Cristian be unable to resist the temptation and seize the IBF light-flyweight title on June 19, 2025, or will Simsri claim the victory in a bruising, heated battle between contenders?
Negotiations are ongoing with various promoters, including a Japanese promotional group, to finalize the bout details.[1] At present, the venue for the fight remains undetermined, with a potential June 19, 2025 date at Ota City General Gymnasium in Japan under consideration.
- Cristian Araneta, having waited 12 long years, is finally set to challenge for a world title in boxing, facing Thanongsak Simsri for the vacant IBF light-flyweight belt in 2025.
- Jinggoy Junco, Miel Fajardo, and John Paul Gabunilas of Omega Boxing Gym are optimistic about their fighter's chances, with Cristian Araneta having accumulated 20 knockouts in his 24-2 record.
- Araneta's path to the world title bout was fraught with challenges, as he had to fight his way up the rankings through three attempts to secure the mandatory challenger position.
- Despite Simsri's impressive record of 38-1 with 34 knockouts and victories over notable opponents, Junco is confident that Araneta's skill will be the deciding factor in their high-stakes, style-clashing matchup.
