The COVID-19 pandemic continues to deal harshly with former world champion Simphiwe ‘Chain Reaction’ Konkco’s plans as yet another opponent has pulled out of a bout against him because of the coronavirus.
Filipino boxer Ariston Aton, who was due to face Konkco in a 10-round bout in an Uppercut Promotions tournament at the Booysens Boxing Gym in Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 May, tested positive of COVID-19.
Racing against time, Konkco’s handlers moved with lightning speed and secured Selemani Bangaiza from Tanzania. Bangaiza is the same boxer who was stopped by Bangile Nyangani in Mthatha in 2019.
Initially, Konkco was set to face another Filipino boxer ArAr Andales, but that was changed as there are strict travel restrictions in the province where Andales lives in the Philippines.
Uppercut Promotions then secured Jomar Caindog, who changed his mind about coming to South Africa something which left the organisers of the fight scratching their heads. Fortunately, they secured Aton, who has now tested positive to the coronavirus.
“This morning we found out that Ariston Aton who was going to fight Konkco has tested positive for COVID-19. This is unfortunate,” Uppercut Promotions boss Cyril Lehong said.
“This tournament is headlined by a clash between Hekkie Budler and Jonathan Almacen for the WBC Silver International title in the junior-flyweight division. Almacen will arrive in South Africa from the Philippines on Monday.”
Konkco, a former International Boxing Organisation (IBO) strawweight king, last fought in October 2019. That was when he lost to erstwhile World Boxing Council (WBC)
mimimumweight champion Chayaphon Moonsri, who is also known as Wanheng
Menayothin.
“I feel very bad. This is stressing me. However, I’m grateful that they have since found another opponent for me,” Konkco said on Saturday.
Budler last fought during his loss Hiroto Kyoguchi in December 2018. The five-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.
