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‘Chain Reaction’ ready to fight best boxers in his division

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Simphiwe Khonco. (Picture: Leon Sadiki)
Simphiwe Khonco. (Picture: Leon Sadiki)

Johannesburg - Simphiwe “Chain Reaction” Khonco’s camp is meticulously paving the way for him to get into the ring against any of the minimum weight champions of the big three world bodies in the near future.

They are the World Boxing Association (WBA), the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and the World Boxing Organisation (WBO).

The WBA title holder is Thammanoon Niyomtrong of Thailand, while Mexican Jose Argumedo has the IBF belt and the WBO diadem belongs to Japan’s Katsunari Takayama.

Khonco holds the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) crown in the same division.

The bold step to give him what is likely to be his big break, slugging it out against the best, is a result of his latest performance.

He put up a breathtaking show two weeks ago when he beat Nkosinathi “Mabhere” Joyi by an unanimous points decision in defence of his title at the Orient Theatre in East London.

This was one of the greatest bouts, featuring fighters from the smaller division, staged in a South African boxing ring in a long time.

Khonco (30), from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, was a marvel to watch as he slipped punches skilfully to upstage Joyi and retain his belt. Chain Reaction’s trainer, Colin Nathan, said his charge was ready to fight the best.

“We’d like Khonco to have one more title defence in April and fight against any of these champs later,” Nathan said.

“Our view is that he has proved [that he is] a worthy IBO champ and is now ready for a title unification.”

He was optimistic that his charge would win an unification bout, given his current form in the square jungle.

Khonco, who has had 18 wins and has only lost five out of 23 bouts, said the time was ripe for him to get his big break by meeting any of the title holders.

“I’m ready for this moment because it will show that I’ve grown with [time],” Khonco said. “I believe I’m in a class of my own. Bring it on.”

Niyomtrong, who is also known in boxing circles as 'Knockout CP Freshmart', won the title from Nicaraguan Byron Rojas who had dethroned South African Hekkie “Hexecutioner” Budler at Carnival City in March.

The three champions are exceptionally talented and will potentially give Khonco a tough challenge if the fights ever get off the ground.

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