Newly crowned intercontinental boxing champion Simphiwe Konkco has made a passionate plea to boxing authorities and the government to help boxers from poor backgrounds to realise their dreams.
On Monday Konkco was declared the IBO Intercontinental mini-flyweight champion after knocking out Nhlanhla Ngamntwini in East London in the fourth round.
His achievement led to local sports authorities calling on the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality to look at recognising Konkco by naming a community hall or something similar in his honour.
“It is a rare occurrence for a Mthatha-based boxer to win the national title,” said sports, arts and culture regional director, Mike Sodo.
“As if that was not enough, he went on to win the intercontinental title too. Konkco is the first boxer born and still living in Mthatha to become a national and intercontinental champion.
“Very soon we will have a world boxing champion in Konkco. So we must support him by all means and honour him so that we can encourage him to stay here and not move out of Mthatha or the province as others are doing.”
Sodo and Konkco were speaking at a congratulatory event held at Freedom Square in Mthatha.
Konkco had earlier been driven through the city from Ngangelizwe township, where he lives, to display his title belts.
In June 2012 Konkco won the South African mini-flyweight title, and in April last year he won the WBO Pan African title.
Konkco’s trainer, Madoda “One More Time” Dyonase of Ngangelizwe Boxing Club, said he was happy with the achievements of his boxer. They were now looking at winning a world title fight.
Ward 2 councillor Nontyantyambo Ngcingca, speaking on behalf of mayor Nonkoliso Ngqongwa, announced that Konkco would be made a municipal ambassador.
“We have been assisting him with winning the first title, and we gave him a house for his temporary use.
“Now we are in the final stages with the human settlements department to build Konkco a bigger house fit for a champion,” she said.
The house will be built in Waterfall Park.
Konkco said he was pleased with the assistance from the municipality.
“I don’t work but rely only on boxing to put food on the table,’’ said Konkco.
“I grew up in a struggling family.
“I don’t want to be seen as a role model to young children and still be poor.”
He will share the house with his four children, aged from five to eight.
Konkco's plea for help
On Monday Konkco was declared the IBO Intercontinental mini-flyweight champion after knocking out Nhlanhla Ngamntwini in East London in the fourth round.
His achievement led to local sports authorities calling on the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality to look at recognising Konkco by naming a community hall or something similar in his honour.
“It is a rare occurrence for a Mthatha-based boxer to win the national title,” said sports, arts and culture regional director, Mike Sodo.
“As if that was not enough, he went on to win the intercontinental title too. Konkco is the first boxer born and still living in Mthatha to become a national and intercontinental champion.
“Very soon we will have a world boxing champion in Konkco. So we must support him by all means and honour him so that we can encourage him to stay here and not move out of Mthatha or the province as others are doing.”
Sodo and Konkco were speaking at a congratulatory event held at Freedom Square in Mthatha.
Konkco had earlier been driven through the city from Ngangelizwe township, where he lives, to display his title belts.
In June 2012 Konkco won the South African mini-flyweight title, and in April last year he won the WBO Pan African title.
Konkco’s trainer, Madoda “One More Time” Dyonase of Ngangelizwe Boxing Club, said he was happy with the achievements of his boxer. They were now looking at winning a world title fight.
Ward 2 councillor Nontyantyambo Ngcingca, speaking on behalf of mayor Nonkoliso Ngqongwa, announced that Konkco would be made a municipal ambassador.
“We have been assisting him with winning the first title, and we gave him a house for his temporary use.
“Now we are in the final stages with the human settlements department to build Konkco a bigger house fit for a champion,” she said.
The house will be built in Waterfall Park.
Konkco said he was pleased with the assistance from the municipality.
“I don’t work but rely only on boxing to put food on the table,’’ said Konkco.
“I grew up in a struggling family.
“I don’t want to be seen as a role model to young children and still be poor.”
He will share the house with his four children, aged from five to eight.
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