By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA
MANILA — Joey Canoy looks to join the Filipino world boxing champions list before Christmas as he vies for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) minimumweight title.
However, he will have to do it against reigning champ, Simphiwe Khonco, right in the latter’s native country.
Canoy and Khonco will face off on Sunday for the belt at the Orient Theater in East London, South Africa.
Despite his opponent’s home court disadvantage, Canoy is optimistic that he can get the job done.
“I’m confident that I will beat him, and this world title fight is dedicated to my children. I pray to God to bring the title home. I’m hoping to get a chance to knock him out,” said the native of General Santos City, home to a long list of past and present world champs, including Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire.
Canoy is being trained by Marvelo Aballe, who was once part of Jerwin Ancajas’ training team.
“I hope we can score a knockout in this fight. But that’s possible since Joey has a strong punching power, like a super flyweight,” said Abelle.
A win will make Canoy the fifth active Filipino world champ, joining World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champ Pacquiao, WBA bantamweight title holder Donaire, International Boxing Federation junior bantamweight champ Ancajas, and World Boxing Organization minimumweight champ Vic Saludar.
