It has been over a year since Simpiwe Konkco was named the number one contender for Wanheng Menayothin’s WBC Mini-flyweight title. In that period Konkco has been patiently waiting for his chance as negotiations carried on for a lengthy period.

The date has finally been set and the South African will face the 53-0 champion in Thailand on October 25.

“I’ve been praying for this day for long. Now that this fight is happening I’m so excited and happy so I’m going to work harder than I was before,” said a clearly excited Konkco.

The challenger (19-5) is getting a second shot at a world title after losing a close fight to Hekkie Budler back in 2015.

Now he is taking on the undefeated Menayothin in Thailand, a country notoriously known to be difficult for foreign fighters to visit.

“I respect him as a boxer and as a champion but his record doesn’t scare me because I’ve been fighting guys at the same level as him and I’ve seen him fight. He’s a good fighter but there is nothing special about him that can make me scared of him. We’ll have a good fight, that’s what I know, and I’m going to make sure that I take the title away from him,” said Konkco.

Fighters visiting Thailand often struggle with the intense heat.

“Colin (Nathan) spoke to and told me we are going to have to work in a sweater as soon as we can so that we make sure that we are ready for the weather that side because the weather there,” said the challenger.

Konkco’s trainer/manager Nathan echo’s his fighter’s feelings regarding the conditions in Thailand.

“Everything is stacked against us. The climate, the conditions, the ring canvas is thick and fighting outdoors but we’ll be ready. We’ll be ready to fight and win the championship. I think this will be a massive upset when we win,” said Nathan.

The mentor is confident that Konkco can pull off the victory.

“I’ve seen footage of him. Very strong, aggressive fighter. Comes from an extensive Muay Thai kickboxing background but I’m confident,” he said.

The manager is happy that the fight is finally official after lengthy negotiations.

“This has been weeks of negotiations, in fact months. To the point where there was a lot of people thinking this fight wouldn’t happen. A lot of people saying ‘he’ll never get his shot, he’ll never get his opportunity’ but I knew we would get it. I’m just happy that he’s finally getting his title shot,” said Nathan.

Part of the reason for the negotiations taking so long was that Menayothin recently signed with Golden Boy Promotions and there were hopes of the fight taking place in the United States.

“We wanted to see if we could potentially get the fight in America and it was due to work visas (for Menayothin) that would take too long. Golden Boy and their partners in Thailand basically said ‘let’s engage and negotiate and get the fight in Thailand’ so here we are,” said the trainer.

Nathan has number of world rated fighters in his stable and some of them will be giving Konkco quality sparring. The likes of IBF flyweight champion Moruti Mthalane and former two weight champion Budler will all be there to help the hopeful prepare.