By Monwabisi Jimlongo
The long wait is over for Hot Box Gym stablemates Simphiwe ‘Chain Reaction’ Konkco and Hekkie ‘Hexecutioner’ Budler.
Konkco and Budler are set to shake off ring rust against opponents from the Philippines on Saturday, 22 May, at a tournament, which is going to be promoted by Cyril Lehong’s Uppercut Promotions.
Tsolo-born Konkco is happy that he will lace his gloves again as he last fought when he lost to former World Boxing Council (WBC) mimimumweight champion Chayaphon Moonsri, who is also known as Wanheng Menayothin, in October 2019.
Konkco is scheduled to fight against ArAr Andales whose full name is Rhenrob Sampayan Andales while Budler will face Jonathan Almacen.
Budler last fought during his loss to Hiroto Kyoguchi in December 2018. The six-time world champion was due to fight in Secunda in March, but his bout got cancelled after Hamidu Kwata from Tanzania failed to make the weight.
“I’m very happy that I will finally get an opportunity to fight again. It’s been a long time since I last fought. The lockdown has messed me up financially. Being in Jozi means that one has to use a lot of money while not earning at the same time. My family back home also depends on me,” Konkco said.
Andales is a former World Boxing Federation (WBF) and World Boxing Association (WBA) Asia minimumweight champion with a professional record of 12 wins (four knockouts) and two losses compared to Konkco’s 19 victories (seven stoppages) and six defeats.
“People must not look at this guy’s record and think he is going to be easy. Filipinos are strong irrespective of their records,” Konkco said.
