Konkco in desperate plea to get back into the ring pretty soon

REIGNING IBO world boxing champion Simpiwe Konkco has made a passionate plea to fight after nearly a year of inactivity.

The Mthatha-born boxer has not fought since June 10 last year when he beat Filipino Lito Dante to retain his title.

Now pushing 32 years of age, Konkco is worried that his inactivity might lead to him forfeiting his high rankings in the WBC, WBA and IBF for which he wants to fights for.

“I am not getting any younger now so this inactivity is not good for me,” he said.

“My other worry is that I will lose my high ranking with other world bodies if I do not return to action immediately.”

World sanctioning bodies automatically remove a boxer who has been inactive for a year in their ratings.

Not only does Konkco run a risk of seeing his world title unification go up in smoke, he might even be stripped of his IBO crown due to inactivity.

The US-based sanctioning body also relieve boxers of its title if they are not active.

Konkco is so worried that his situation may be similar to that of former stablemate and homeboy Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni who lost his WBA high ranking and the IBO lightweight title due to inactivity.

Ndongeni has been trying to revive his career as he moved from one stable to another including training at Mayweather Boxing Club in the US to no avail.

He has just joined Sean Smith in Johannesburg.

Ironically, Ndongeni was Konkco’s stablemate at HotBox gymnasium in Johannesburg where he went through a barren period of fights.

Konkco is rated third by the WBC with the champion being Wanheng Menayothin of Thailand.

The WBA, whose title is also held by a Thai boxer, Thammanoon Niyomtrong, rates him fifth making him eligible to at least challenge for its regular title which is vacant.

The whirlwind boxer who has evolved into a world-class level since joining Colin Nathan at his HotBox gymnasium does not mind going to Thailand in order to get a world title shot.

This even though Thailand is notorious for biased decisions against visiting boxers.

“I would jump into the next flight if any of those Thailand champions would be willing to defend their titles against me,” he said.

“All I want is to be given a chance before it is too late.”

While 32 years of age is still a fighting age in other boxing divisions, it is considered a twilight stage in the lighter divisions which requires timing, reflexes, speed and other attributes to compete at the highest level.

Boxers campaigning in mini-flyweight division often plateau quicker than those fighting above featherweight weight class.

Konkco’s promoter Rodney Berman admitted that his charge’s inactivity was worrisome but promised that he was busy working on his return to the ring.

“I am working with Eastern Cape people to bring Konkco back but if this fails we will organise a fight for him at Emperors Palace,” said Berman.

He has already reserved a June 23 date at Emperors Palace and has targeted Filipino Toto Landero as a challenger.

Landero is fresh from a gutsy decision loss to Niyomtrong in his last bout.