Handang-handa na si Filipino boxer Joey Canoy sa kanyang unang laban para sa kampeonatong pandaigdig laban kay dating IBO at WBA minimumweight champion Hekkie Budler sa Pebrero 4 sa Emperor’s Palace, Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa.

Paglalabanan nina Canoy at Budler ang bakanteng International Boxing Organization (IBO) light flyweight title at nangako ang 23-anyos na tubong General Santos City na gagamitin niya ang taglay na bilis at lakas para talunin ang South African na kilala sa bansag na “Hexecutioner”

“He has a huge chance because of his speed. But I still want to develop more his power because I want him to get a sure win with a knockout,” sabi ng trainer ni Canoy na dati ring boksingero na si Brix Flores sa Philboxing.com.

“He has had a long preparation. He started last November. He has also had a lot of sparring in the gym. He has no problem with his conditioning. His movement is very natural.”

Goodbye PBA? John Amores, tinanggalan na ng professional license!

“Pipilitin ko pang mapatulog si Budler, hindi ko kasi mauuwi ang korona sa puntos,” sabi ni Canoy na batid na madalas matalo ang mga Pilipino sa South Africa na kilala sa hometown decisions.

May record si Canoy na 12-2-1 win-los-draw na may 6 panalo sa knockout kaya dehadong-dehado sa mas beteranong si Budler na may kartadang 30-2-0 win-loss-draw na may 9 pagwawagi sa knockouts. (Gilbert Espeña)