HE IS described as one of the most hardworking boxers at the Omega Boxing Gym. Jason Canoy is hoping he’ll finally reap the fruits of his labor.
Canoy is in the final stages of his training for his world title showdown with unbeaten South African fighter Mzuvukile “Old Bones” Magwaca on March 31 in Cape Town, South Africa.
At stake in the fight is the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) World bantamweight belt.
“Jason is very hardworking. He’s the first to arrive in the gym and the last one to leave. I admire his work ethic. There were even times that he continued to train even with an injured hand,” said Pio Paulo Castillo, president of the Omega Pro Sports International (OPSI).
Canoy, along with trainer Jing-jing Tepora and OPSI vice president Rico Navarro, will leave for South Africa on Sunday.
“That will be at least two days of travel. Hopefully, I can adjust quick with the weather. I’ll just pray that I will be given the needed strength come fight day,” said Canoy, who has a record of 26-6-2 (win-loss-draw) with 19 knockouts.
Canoy has sparred more than 40 rounds and has studied his opponent’s style well.
“He uses his right a lot in the first to fifth rounds then shifts to being a southpaw in the succeeding round,” said Canoy.
Magwaca has 17 wins—10 by knockouts—and has two draws. He is touted as one of the South Africa’s future stars being the the World Boxing Association International bantamweight champion and former WBF Africa junior flyweight and IBO Inter-Continental champion.
To counter Magwaca’s unpredictable style, Canoy sparred with stablemate Jhack Tepora and Cris Rosales.
“Jhack is a southpaw and Cris uses both hands. Their styles helped me familiarize Magwaca’s style,” said Canoy, who also sparred with ALA Boxing Gym fighters, including Milan Melindo.
Canoy said staying focused when fighting abroad is a must.
“I am used to fighting abroad. I have fought in Thailand, Ukraine, Russia and Japan so I am used to the crowd cheering against me. I’ll just focus on my opponent, it’s just me and him on top of the ring. I won’t mind the crowd,” Canoy said.
Canoy there’s no other way to score a win against Magwaca but to pull off a knockout.
“I’m prepared for a long haul but I will really go for a knockout. That’s the only way to avoid a hometown decision,” he said.
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