Omega eyes vacant IBF belt for Vicelles

OMEGA Sports Promotions wants unbeaten Mark Vicelles to fight for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight title next after an impressive victory over the weekend.Vicelles knocked out former world title challenger Richard Claveras in the first round in the main event of “Kumbati 12” at the IPI Compound in Barangay Tingub, Mandaue City on March 26.“It was a good performance. He was very accurate with his punching. We want him to challenge for the IBF strap since it’s vacant,” said Omega Sports Promotions vice president Jerome Calatrava.Felix Alvarado just recently relinquished his IBF belt after moving up in weight, leaving the title vacant.South African Sive Nontshinga is currently rated No. 1, the No. 2 spot is currently vacant, Mexican Hector Flores is ranked No. 3, followed by Agustin Gauto at No. 4 and Vicelles at No. 5.Gauto will most likely drop out of the rankings after suffering a second round upset loss to Pinoy pug Miel Fajardo last March 26 in Dubai, while Vicelles might move up the rankings.“Yes. Sive is No. 1 then No. 4 Gauto just lost. So, we will write to the IBF to move Mac up (rankings) and vie for the title. I’m sure the Mexican will not fight outside his country,” said Calatrava.If ever Vicelles gets his shot, Calatrava expects it to be against Nontshinga, who owns a unanimous decision win over Araneta’s teammate Christian Araneta.“It will be one great fight. I just hope that Sive will come to fight. Unlike his fight with Araneta, wherein he ran and ran,” said Calatrava.The 26-year-old Vicelles is also ranked No. 5 in both the World Boxing Council and the World Boxing Organization. He’s also rated No. 15 by the World Boxing Association.Vicelles has an impressive 16-0-1 slate with nine knockouts.Nontshinga, in the meantime, is the IBF International light flyweight king and has an immaculate 10-0 record with nine knockouts.