Thanongsak Simsri knocks out Sergio Mendoza to defend IBF belt

Q: What were the details of the knockout in the Simsri vs Mendoza fight?

Thanongsak Simsri knocked out Sergio Mendoza in the second round with a left hook after initially clipping him with a right hand.

Q: How many fights has Thanongsak Simsri won in Japan since his last loss?

Thanongsak Simsri has won six fights in Japan since his only career loss to Masamichi Yabuki in 2022.

IBF light flyweight champion Thanongsak Simsri defended his title in dramatic fashion this morning, knocking out undefeated Sergio “Yoreme” Mendoza at Korakuen Hall.

Simsri (40-1, 35 KO) clipped Mendoza (27-1, 23 KO) with a chopping right midway through the second and swarmed on the ropes, ultimately leveling the challenger with a nasty left hook. Mendoza managed to beat the count, but Simsri stayed on him, unloading until another right hand that left Mendoza splayed out on the canvas.

Mendoza somehow made it to his feet, but was in no condition to continue, giving Simsri the knockout victory.

The Thai standout, still just 25, has now won six fights on Japanese soil since his lone career loss to Masamichi Yabuki in 2022. Though only one light flyweight belt is in Japanese hands, namely Shokichi Iwata’s WBC title, unified champion Rene Santiago has also become a regular in the Land of the Rising Sun. Let’s hope we see any two of those three share a ring in the near future.