Simphiwe gets timely wake-up call
Was Joey Canoy’s big right hand that floored Simpiwe Konkco an alarm bell sound that the Mthatha-born boxer could be nearing the end?
That question dominated debates after the unsatisfactory end to the fight which literally spared Konkco’s IBO mini-flyweight title.
Konkco, who has been subjected to long spells of inactivity, was bound to be found wanting in one way or another, especially for a boxer campaigning in the light divisions.
And do not forget the fact that the 32-year-old has fought battles which obviously left him with wear and tear.
The war of attrition against now stablemate Hekkie Budler had a propensity to shorten both boxers’ careers.
The slugfest he engaged in against Nkosinathi Joyi was also a career shortening duel.
If one factors in Konkco’s previous bouts before he joined Colin Nathan, the wear and tear may have set in.
Back then Konkco used to wear his heart on his sleeve, coming through a haze of gruelling bouts, many which could have gone against him.
Duels such as the one against Luyanda Nkwanka in Mthatha, Khanyakude Mokansi, also in the same venue, and Sibusiso Twani in Tsolo could have derailed any other boxer.
But with a never-say-die attitude, Konkco sailed through, although his body obviously took a battering.
Only after teaming up with Nathan did Konkco began to get spared bodily harm.
For instance, against Joyi he was on his way to a tough afternoon when Nathan screamed at him to follow the fight plan and Konkco began avoiding punches.
In Mthatha in May, before the fight against Canoy, Konkco appeared to be catching wild blows to his face against another Filipino Toto Landero.
But again, after Nathan’s guidance, he easily avoided the helicopter blows.
Now he is on the verge of finally getting a breakthrough when he will battle for the WBC title eliminator against an opponent still to be determined.
The winner will get a shot at Thai boxer Wanheng Menayothin.
Whether Konkco will get to Menayothin is in serious doubt after the scare against Canoy.
However, Boxing Mecca studied his fight record and realised that Canoy fought in a heavyweight division when he lost to Budler.
His body is more suited for the mini-flyweight and he has beaten credible opponents, including compatriot Melvin Jerusalem, who was rated third behind Konkco for the WBC title when he upset him.