The Nakhon Ratchasima-born fighter was originally scheduled to face Junichi Ebisuoka on April 6 in Saraburi province. However, Ebisuoka's camp said the fighter was injured and unable to box, resulting in a replacement but at the same venue and same date.

The Thai champion's manager Piyarat Vajiratanawongse said although Shimizu was a stand-in, Pongsaklek could not take him for granted as the Japanese could pose as much of a threat as Ebisuoka.

"He [Shimizu] desperately wants the title because he wants to gain revenge for all his fallen compatriots who have lost to Pongsaklek," said Piyarat.

According to Piyarat, Shimizu is well prepared for the fight as he has studied Pongsaklek's videotape in more than 10 fights.

"If Shimizu loses the fight, his team is willing to deposit US$20,000 for a rematch in Japan around August," said Piyarat, who said the Japanese fighter would arrive in Thailand on March 30.

The 29-year-old champion, who wrote his name into the history books last year by becoming the first fighter to be inducted into the WBC Hall of Fame while still active in the ring, appears to be unconcerned about the fight. Instead, he is looking forward to the third episode of his battle with Daisuke Naito of Japan.

"My due respects to Shimizu. I cannot underestimate him. He is very quick. However, I'm confident of retaining the title and I look forward to the money-spinning fight with old foe Daisuke, which should be staged around June," said Pongsaklek.

On the undercard, Thai boxer Oleydong Sithsanerchai will battle it out with Puerto Rico's Omar Soto for the WBC strawweight interim title.