By Lwazi Ndzobongo: Nkosinathi Joyi produced a sterling performance to beat Florante Condes on points in an IBF mini flyweight eliminator on Friday night at the Orient Theatre in East London. Joyi won by unanimous points decision of 120-107 twice and 119-108.
Joyi’s height advantage proved too much for the shorter Condes who fought bravely but just couldn’t land anything of significance. Joyi was simply too good and on this performance will have the champion worried. Fighting behind a sleek south paw jab and occasionally going to the body, Joyi controlled the fight and it was only Condes strong will and tough chin that kept him on his feet. Joyi managed to knock Condes down in the eleventh but he was unable to finish him off. Condes relied on an overhand right but even when it did land it found Joyi strong and unmoved, this win will do Joyi good as he was able to get twelve super rounds under his belt and also proved not only to be a puncher but a very skilled boxer with good ring craft.
Joyi relinquished his IBO Title, which he had won in December 2006 by stopping Armando de la Cruz in the second round and based on his performance last night, it was a great decision. Condes took two time outs during the bout, one for an accidental low blow and another for a clash of heads, Condes corner did great work on the latter to make sure it didn’t have a bearing on the fight outcome.
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Another star to come out of this bout was American referee Bill Clancy, always crucified for controversial decisions, it was warming to see a referee take control of a fight to the betterment of it, boxing would do well to have a few Clancy’s around. This writer hopes our local referees were watching and took some notes from the experienced Clancy.
Joyi improved to 20-0 (15), while the gutsy Condes drops to 23-5-1 (20).
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