SIMPIWE Konkco might be the lone champion for the Transkei region but the diminutive fighter is the inspiration for the boxing development in the region.
Since Konkco became a champion when he knocked out Duncan Village fighter Bongani Mfundisi in seven rounds for the SA mini-flyweight crown, he has inspired other youngsters from the region to follow a career in boxing.
Having defended his SA mini-flyweight crown twice when he halted both Lutho Konki and Zukisani Kwayiba in the first and ninth rounds respectively at OR Tambo Hall in Mthatha, Konkco has made sure boxers from the region benefit by fighting on the undercards of his fights.
It will be the same scenario when he steps into the ring to contest for the vacant WBA Pan-African mini-flyweight title against Limpopo’s Khanyakude Mukansi at the same venue on Sunday.
Konkco’s fights at OR Tambo Hall have produced three prospects who promise to take the boxing world by storm .
They are bantamweight Luthando Mbumbulwana from Nyandeni, mini-flyweight Siphamandla Baleni from Mthatha and Athenkosi Dumezweni who campaigns in the junior-bantamweight division.
The trio came through from Konkco’s fights promoted by East London promoter Siphatho Handi of Mamali Promotions whose conjunction with OR Tambo District Municipality is keeping the fighters in the region active and not having to travel to other areas to get fights.
Handi said his agreement with the municipality emphasised the need to help develop boxing in the region.
Handi has staged four tournaments in the region and although one of them was headlined by Siviwe Mdletyeni, who has since been stripped of his SA lightweight crown for doping, the three prospects have featured in all the shows.
Fighting in the four shows has helped the trio boost their fight records and invariably climb up the national ratings in their respective divisions.
Baleni, who is unbeaten in five bouts, commands the seventh spot and already drums are being beaten for him to face unbeaten Duncan Village prospect Nhlanhla “24” Ngamtwini.
But Baleni will have to get past Cape Town’s Olwethu Ngamlana on Sunday before the eagerly anticipated clash against “24” can materialise.
Mbumbulwana, who is also yet to taste a defeat in five bouts with a draw, will come up against Uitenhage veteran Simo Mbande while Dumezweni – unbeaten in two fights – will test his skills against Duncan Village trial-horse Thulani Nzwanana.
Handi hopes that the prospects will pass the tests and improve their national ratings.
Indeed at least 10 fighters from the region will feature on Sunday’s tournament.
Konkco flies Transkei flag
Since Konkco became a champion when he knocked out Duncan Village fighter Bongani Mfundisi in seven rounds for the SA mini-flyweight crown, he has inspired other youngsters from the region to follow a career in boxing.
Having defended his SA mini-flyweight crown twice when he halted both Lutho Konki and Zukisani Kwayiba in the first and ninth rounds respectively at OR Tambo Hall in Mthatha, Konkco has made sure boxers from the region benefit by fighting on the undercards of his fights.
It will be the same scenario when he steps into the ring to contest for the vacant WBA Pan-African mini-flyweight title against Limpopo’s Khanyakude Mukansi at the same venue on Sunday.
Konkco’s fights at OR Tambo Hall have produced three prospects who promise to take the boxing world by storm .
They are bantamweight Luthando Mbumbulwana from Nyandeni, mini-flyweight Siphamandla Baleni from Mthatha and Athenkosi Dumezweni who campaigns in the junior-bantamweight division.
The trio came through from Konkco’s fights promoted by East London promoter Siphatho Handi of Mamali Promotions whose conjunction with OR Tambo District Municipality is keeping the fighters in the region active and not having to travel to other areas to get fights.
Handi said his agreement with the municipality emphasised the need to help develop boxing in the region.
Handi has staged four tournaments in the region and although one of them was headlined by Siviwe Mdletyeni, who has since been stripped of his SA lightweight crown for doping, the three prospects have featured in all the shows.
Fighting in the four shows has helped the trio boost their fight records and invariably climb up the national ratings in their respective divisions.
Baleni, who is unbeaten in five bouts, commands the seventh spot and already drums are being beaten for him to face unbeaten Duncan Village prospect Nhlanhla “24” Ngamtwini.
But Baleni will have to get past Cape Town’s Olwethu Ngamlana on Sunday before the eagerly anticipated clash against “24” can materialise.
Mbumbulwana, who is also yet to taste a defeat in five bouts with a draw, will come up against Uitenhage veteran Simo Mbande while Dumezweni – unbeaten in two fights – will test his skills against Duncan Village trial-horse Thulani Nzwanana.
Handi hopes that the prospects will pass the tests and improve their national ratings.
Indeed at least 10 fighters from the region will feature on Sunday’s tournament.
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