Joey Canoy (2nd from right) and Hekkie Budler pose after their weigh-in yesterday in Johannesburg, South Africa. (CONTRIBUTED)
AFTER a grueling 24-hour trip, Joey “Canoy J Singwangcha” Canoy finally arrived in South Africa for an all-important fight on Feb. 4.
The 23-year-old Mandaue-based boxer will contend for the vacant International Boxing Organization (IBO) World flyweight title against Hekkie “Hexecutioner” Budler in Gauteng, South Africa.
Canoy easily passed the initial test as he tipped the scales at 105 pounds in the preliminary weigh-in last Tuesday night.
Canoy was four pounds lighter than the 112-pound weight limit.
Budler was on the dot in the preliminary weigh-in held during a press conference at the Emperor’s Palace Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Canoy, a native of General Santos City, holds a record of 12 wins, six by knockouts, two losses and a single draw.
The more experienced Budler, 28, has 30 wins and two losses. His nine victories came by way of knockouts.
Budler is the former WBA and IBO world minimumweight champion.
Canoy, who is accompanied by trainer Brix Flores, trained for the crucial duel for four months at the Flores Boxing Gym in Mandaue.