Konkco says no to rematch
Simpiwe Konkco will not grant Filipino Joey Canoy a rematch after his lucky escape.
Instead the Mthatha-born gutsy slugger will advance to the WBC title eliminator against an opponent to be confirmed.
This was revealed by his manager/trainer Colin Nathan after Konkco’s IBO mini-flyweight title defence against Canoy ended prematurely due to an accidental headbutt in the fourth round.
The fight at Orient Theatre organised by Last Born Promotions (LBP) on Sunday was developing into an intriguing affair with explosive rounds already fought, including a damaging knockdown scored by the Filipino in the second round.
This was when he caught Konkco with an overhand right while Konkco was banging the body and left himself open for a counter.
The fragile looking visitor who turned tiger inside the ring was obviously the bigger punch and there were concerns that had the fight been allowed to continue he could have repeated the scare. This although Konkco seemed to be getting an upper hand when the fight resumed after the fall.
Ever a boxer who wears his heart on his sleeve, Konkco had taken control of the fight when the boxers butted heads leaving the champion with a deep gash which needed two inspections by the ringside doctor before calling off the fight for a no-contest decision.
Canoy initially thought he had won but on being reminded that four rounds had not been completed he became crestfallen hoping he would at least get a chance of a rematch.
But Konkco, 32, will not grant him one as he has a bigger fish to fry as he pursues the WBC title unification. Nathan revealed that the fight was not sanctioned by the WBC and its outcome would not have mattered unless Konkco lost.
“We took this fight on our own but now we are moving foward,” he said.
The Konkco camp has already written to the WBC to inform the Mexico-based world sanctioning body that the Mthatha-born fighter is ready for the next phase.
Konkco is chasing to end the dominance of Thai fighter Wanheng Menayothin who has reigned as the WBC champion breaking Floyd Mayweather’s 50 bouts unbeaten record.
Konkco, who has five defeats in 25 bouts and whose fighting spirit can never be questioned, is confident of ending Menayothin’s reign...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
This article is free to read if you register or sign in.
If you have already registered or subscribed, please sign in to continue.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@dispatchlive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.