Konkco sticks to the gameplan but could’ve done better
YET another win for Mthatha-born Simpiwe Konkco after he retained his IBO miniflyweight title with a lopsided points verdict over Filipino, Lito Dante at Emperors Palace last weekend.
There were differing opinions about the fight with some feeling that Konkco should have blasted the Filipino out of the ring while others commended him for shutting him out.
Konkco reflects on the fight and what really happened.
BOXING MECCA: Before I congratulate you for your win I want you to first rate your performance on a scale of one to 10.
SIMPIWE KONKCO: Thanks bhuti. I think I would give myself 8 out of 10. This guy was not as easy as people thought he would be and the remaining two is due to his toughness.
BM: But people may argue that this guy was easily beaten by Siyabonga Siyo, who you easily beat. SK: There is a saying in boxing that styles make fights and I think this one was a perfect example. People must understand that boxing is not mathematics that just because boxer A lost to boxer B, who lost to boxer C so that means boxer C can beat boxer A.
BM: What surprised Dante? SK: His awkwardness. I knew that he had an unorthodox style but I had no idea that he was that awkward. He is a brilliant counter-puncher.
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BM: What was the fight strategy? SK: Colin had studied this guy and detected that he had a sneaky right hand. And he likes to apply pressure so we worked on using angles such as moving to the left after throwing a jab to nullify his right hand.
BM: You seem to be using more of your boxing skills now that you are under Colin. Did you know that you had these skills before? SK: Everything we do with Colin is based on strategy not just going in there and fight. You know it is funny that you mention my using skills more now that I am training under Colin because I had an outstanding amateur career where I learnt the ropes. I am going back to what defined my boxing by using my skills more now and I am enjoying it.
BM: But we still miss that Konkco, who used to gut out wins in spectacular fashion. SK: Yes I guess people do miss him but I used to be the worse off after all was said and done. My body would be sore for weeks after such fights but now as you can see I am fresh.
BM: I am thinking about your toughest fights such as those you had with Sibusiso Twani and Luyanda Nkwankwa while you were still training in Mthatha... SK: This Konkco would have easily won those fights now. Like I said I am using my brains more than my brute strength and I am so happy with how my boxing is progressing now.
BM: You seem to be gelling well with Colin’s philosophy. SK: It is incredible how Colin seems to know my style and help get the best out of it. Colin plans and studies my opponents and I simply execute the fight strategy. I could not have wished for a better trainer.
BM: Do you feel there was a round Dante won? SK: I would give him round nine at best. That was when he apparently came gunning for a stoppage and attacked my body. But I adjusted and handled him. BM: What is your plan going forward now? SK: I want a unification bhuti and I believe with Golden Gloves Promotion behind me we will get it. Before this fight I was rated third by the WBA and ninth by the WBC so I expect to move up to a title contention.
BM: Which of the other world champions do you wish to fight? SK: My goal is to unify with the WBA and WBC champions.
BM: How do you see those fights panning out? SK: You know one thing I have observed about these guys is that they have awkward styles with nothing in the way of skills.
BM: These guys are either from Japan or Thailand meaning you probably will have to go there to fight them. SK: ...and I am prepared to go there realise my dream. to
BM: Your OR Tambo region must be happy with your win. SK: Very much bhuti and again they were there to support me. I cannot express my gratitude to them loud enough since I moved to Johannesburg they have never forsaken me.