Konkco looks past Dante to unify title
Champ not taking Filipino lightly
Simphiwe “Chain Reaction” Konkco has promised an unfriendly welcome to Filipino Lito Dante when they collide for Konkco’s IBO strawweight belt at Emperors Palace, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday .
At 31, Konkco said he must move fast in bringing himself closer to a unification bout.
He is rated No 10 by the WBC, third by the WBA, 13th by the IBF and is yet to impress the WBO ratings committee.
Konkco intends to retain his belt and begin pursuing a unification bout with any champion from other sanctioning bodies.
Wanheng Menayothin from Thailand holds the WBC belt; Thammanoon Niyomtrong also from Thailand, is the WBA champion; Mexican Jose Argumedo holds the IBF strap; and Tatsuya Fukuhara holds the WBO belt.
“I know Lito is very strong,” said Konkco, who was a guest when Dante dropped Siyabonga Siyo at the Orient Theatre in East London in August 2015.
But Siyo got up to win their 10-rounder on points.
“But I am tough. In fact, I will be more strong, just like a stick that had been stuck beneath a cow dung in the kraal in order for it to be able to withstand any pressure,” said Konkco from Mthatha.
He is guided in Johannesburg by trainer Colin Nathan and promoter Rodney Berman.
“Niyomtrong has been mandated to fight a top contender after which Konkco will move up. A shot against the champion is thus imminent,” said Berman whose Golden Gloves promotion will stage Konkco’s bout with Dante.
The tournament, dubbed “Hurtin’ for Certain”, features