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Philippines, 16 Feb 2026 |
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LIFE IS THE SWEET SCIENCE: JOEY CANOY BRACES FOR BIG BREAK IN SOUTH AFRICA By Felman Gingoyon PhilBoxing.com Fri, 03 Feb 2017  Once in a while, we all experience our minds wandering. Sitting in a corner, doing nothing and you just realised you're somebody else. Then all of a sudden, reality bites and your back to your senses. The moment Joey Canoy knew he has a chance of realising his dream of becoming a world champion, fantasies will soon become a reality. As a young boy growing up in the tuna capital of the country, he lived a very conventional life just like anybody else his age. He didn't have a boxing pedigree unlike others in General Santos City, who has been known to produce high-caliber fighters. That changed when a neighbor told him if he could spar with someone. Soon he quickly learned the fundamentals of the sport and realised that this is what he wants, to hit and not get hit. Many then knew the kid has a knack for the sport. Canoy started boxing at age 13 and from then on, he never turned back. He has been involved in many national open boxing tournaments, capped by winning gold in 2012 Philippine National Games in Manila in his last amateur tournament before turning professional. During his amateur days, Canoy has also been part of Barangay Una Boxing Team in Panabo City, Davao del Norte and has relocated there for two years. He also has stints with former two-division world champion Dodie Boy Penalosa as part of Team Cebu City. Like any other aspiring amateur pug, he had hoped to join the national amateur boxing team. But when it didn't materialize for some reasons, he turned his sights to prized fighting and went back to Cebu. Together with fellow Barangay Una team mate Neil John Tabanao, they took refuge at the Flores Boxing Academy under first-rate trainer Brix Flores, who himself is a national team member during his amateur career. Lesson learned The transition was swift and after a dozen bouts in the pro ranks, he was 10-1-1 with 4 KO's before facing title contender Jessie Espinas. Unable to defend a regional title and lost it via TKO changed Canoy's mindset. The 5'3" southpaw needed time to reflect after the setback last year. "That was one of my biggest heartbreak in boxing (referring to his loss to Espinas)", stated the 108-lb fighter. It was indeed a silver lining as he realised the most important things in life and went on to score two more TKO wins leading to his world title opportunity on the fourth of February and hoped the streak will continue. Standing on the opposite corner is the man known as the "Hexecutioner", former world champion Hekkie Budler might looked menacing but Joey and trainer Brix Flores are optimistic of their chances even if the title fight will be staged in South Africa. "We can do it, I trust my team and I leave it to God. I've been in some more difficult situations in life", added Canoy, who also shared that his guiding light is a verse from the Bible, Philippians 1:28. Fighting for the first time overseas and knowing the benefits of training hard, Canoy has been doing roadworks in the mountain areas of Cebu City and Talisay City and has been sparring with Melmark Dignos, Renoel Pael and Elias Joaquino at the RWS boxing gym in Labangon in preparation for his IBO light flyweight championship. Motivation Now a father to an eigth-month old child named Jhay Lucas, Joey has more than enough to bring the title home and that could mean a lot. "My family is my motivation and Jhay Lucas is my inspiration. I knew how hard it is to start a family", he further stated. Growing up with ten siblings in the family is something what Joey learned from his parents, the virtue of hardwork and perseverance. Top photo: Joey Canoy with topnotch ring strategist Brix Flores and Joy Flores.  Canoy's favorite Bible verse emblazoned on his trunks for his title fight against Budler. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Felman Gingoyon.  |
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