Canoy unbowed after loss

Jason Canoy lost to hometowner Mzubukile Magwaca on a split 12-round decision in a battle for the vacant WBF bantamweight crown at the Oliver Tambo Hall in Khayelitsha, Capetown, South Africa, last Saturday but gained the respect of ringsiders for his gallant stand.

Canoy, trainer Jingjing Tepora and Omega Pro Sports International’s Rico Navarro arrived in Capetown last March 27, only four days before the bout. The long trip brought them from Cebu to Dubai via Clark on a 10 1/2 hour flight then to Capetown after another 9 1/2 hours. According to Navarro, adjustment to the time difference was manageable since Capetown is only six hours behind the Philippines.

No less than WBF president Howard Goldberg, a South African, met the Filipinos at the airport in Capetown. Goldberg is the WBF’s fourth president after Larry Carrier, Ron Scalf and Jonathan Feld. The WBF was established in Bristol, Tennessee, in 1988 and among its former world champions were Filipinos Ronnie Magramo at 105 pounds, Rico Siodora at 126, Joselito Rivera at 130, Dindo Castanares at 140 and William Magahin and Dondon Sultan at 147. From 2004 to 2009, the WBF was inactive. It was revived in 2009 by Goldberg.

“The weather in Capetown was cool and pleasant,” said Navarro. “One could manage to go around without a jacket but it got colder in the evening. Shortly after checking in at the hotel, Jason went through the mandatory medical check-up then took a rest. Mr. Goldberg assured us that the WBF judges, all from South Africa, would be fair. On fight night, he told us it would be like there is no South African or Filipino in the ring, only two deserving contenders battling for the WBF championship.”

Navarro said Canoy’s chances of winning depended on his ability to turn it into a brawl. “Magwaca is a technician who prefers to box and not mix it up,” he said. “We expected him to fight from a distance and box. Jason’s only chance was to engage Magwaca in a brawl.”

Navarro said in 2004, another Cebu fighter Bert Batawang knocked out Sithembile Kibiti in the seventh round to win the WBA Pan African lightflyweight title in the same venue. Batawang was behind on points when he knocked Kibiti out cold. The bit of history was an inspiration for Canoy.

At the weigh-in, Canoy scaled 116 pounds while Magwaca tipped in at 116.5. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and will go all out for a win,” the Filipino promised. “I assure the fans of a good fight.” 

As it turned out, Canoy made good on his promise as he was the aggressor throughout the fight, repeatedly landing blows to the body and overhand rights to the head. Magwaca used his reach advantage to strike from long range and never went toe-to-toe. “Magwaca was on his bicycle all the time, relying on jab-straights to score points and clinching whenever Jason came close,” said Navarro. “Nobody was in serious trouble. Magwaca went down once but it was ruled a slip. It was tough to call since the ring was slippery in some parts. Jason earned the respect of the local officials and fans. Many went to him to shake his hands and take pictures after the fight.”

Judge Darryl Ribbick scored it 115-114 for Canoy while the other South African judges Clifford Mbelo had it 117-112 and Eddie Marshall, 117-110, both for Magwaca. The disparity in the scorecards of the two judges who saw it for Magwaca was questionable because the fight was much closer than what they indicated.

After the fight, Magwaca paid tribute to Canoy, saying, “I felt his power and he’s very tough.” For his part, Canoy said, “I gave it my all but thought the fight was closer. Congratulations to Magwaca. He’s a good person. Who knows? Maybe, a rematch is possible.”

To Canoy’s credit, he made no excuses and didn’t accuse the judges, at least two of them, of turning in a hometown decision. Canoy never said he was robbed. Omega Pro Sports said: “We congratulate Magwaca for winning the championship and wish him well. We are proud of Jason’s performance. He has nothing to be ashamed of as he gave it his all and made the country proud. The support and greetings that he received after the fight were a sign that he fought a great fight.” The message from Canoy and Omega showed a lot of class and a high sense of sportsmanship.