Joey Maderal Canoy (born June 27, 1993) is a Filipino boxer who has held the Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) Mini flyweight and OPBFLight flyweight titles. He has been challenged once for the IBO light flyweight title, twice for the IBO Mini Flyweight title, and once for the WBO Oriental Mini Flyweight title.
Amateur career
Although very little is known about his amateur career, BoxRec has a record of his highlights. He was the Pinweight gold medalist in the PLDT-ABAP National Boxing Championships in Panabo, Davao del Norte, for the Mindanao Qualifiers in 2011. He was also the Pinweight Gold Medalist in Philippine National Games in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, in 2012. In the same year, Canoy fought in the PLDT-ABAP National Boxing Championships Elite Men Light flyweight, won against Rafael Sueno in the prelims but lost to Junuel Lacar in the Quarter-finals.[1][2]
Professional career
Mini flyweight
Debut
At 19, Canoy made his debut against fellow journeyman Garry Rojo in the mini flyweight division and won by unanimous decision with scores of 40–35, 40–35, and 40–34.[3]
Canoy built a record of 4–0 with three knockouts before facing compatriot and future Philippines GABflyweight champion, Felipe Cagubcob Jr., who at the time had a record of 1–1–3. The two fighters clashed in the mini flyweight division at the Barangay Namayan Basketball Arena on January 11, 2014, resulting in a split draw.[4] Canoy continued his career, later defeating Mark Anthony Florida via an eight-round unanimous decision victory.
Canoy vs. Tomogdan
After compiling a record of 8–0–1, he faced his most challenging opponent yet: Jerry Tomogdan, who had an experienced record of 16–5–2. The two battled for the vacant Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) mini flyweight title. Tomogdan handed Canoy his first-ever loss via majority decision.[5]
Canoy was expecting a grudge rematch against Tomogdan on August 23, 2015,[6][7] however, he was instead scheduled to fight a different opponent. He won the vacant Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) mini flyweight title against journeyman Rodel Tejares on the same date, via eighth-round technical knockout.[8]
Canoy vs. Espinas
After defeating journeymen Jonathan Ricablanca and Rodel Tejares to compose a record of 10–1–1, Canoy faced his next most challenging bout against future WBO Oriental and Philippines GAB light flyweight champion, Jesse Espinas. Canoy was making his first defense of the ABF mini flyweight title, but Espinas snatched the title after defeating Canoy via fifth-round technical knockout on January 12, 2016.[9]
Canoy vs. Landero
Following his loss to Espinas, Canoy squared off with Fabio Marfa and won via fourth-round TKO on September 3, 2016. Canoy then faced the undefeated, upcoming two-time world title challenger, Toto Landero, at the Jurado Hall of the Philippine Marine Corporation in Taguig. Canoy handed Landero his first loss with a stoppage victory.[10]
Light flyweight
Canoy vs. Budler
On February 4, 2017, after compiling a record of 12–2–1, Canoy was given a shot at the vacant IBO light flyweight title at Emperors Palace, South Africa, against Hekkie Budler.[11][12] Budler secured a stoppage and was crowned the new IBO champion with a seventh-round RTD victory over Canoy.[13]
Return to Mini flyweight
Canoy vs. Jerusalem
Canoy faced compatriot and future two-time world champion Melvin Jerusalem on July 8, 2017, in Cebu City, in a non-title bout on the undercard of "Pinoy Pride 41".[14] Canoy won via unanimous decision.[15]
Canoy vs. Khonco
Canoy once again fought for the IBO crown, this time in the mini flyweight division, against reigning and defending IBO champion Simphiwe Khonco in his fourth title defense.[16] The fight abruptly ended in the fourth round after a clash of heads left Khonco unfit to continue, resulting in a no contest.[17] Khonco refused a rematch, stating, "We took this fight on our own but now we are moving forward."[18]
Canoy vs. Joyi
Canoy got another shot at the vacant IBO mini flyweight crown against Nkosinathi Joyi. Canoy aimed for a knockout win, stating after the weigh-in, "I had no problem making weight. I know I'm fighting on enemy turf, so I cannot let this end in the judges' hands."[19] However, Canoy was outpointed, resulting in a unanimous decision loss.[20]
Return to Light flyweight
Canoy won via corner retirement against Jovab Lucas upon his return to the light flyweight division.
Canoy vs. Tyirha
On May 21, 2021, in East London, South Africa, Canoy battled promising South African prospect Nhlanhla Tyirha for the vacant WBA Inter-continental light flyweight title. Tyirha won via unanimous decision.[21]
Return to Mini flyweight
Canoy vs. Andales
Following his decision victory against Michael Camelion, Canoy moved back down to the mini flyweight division, where he battled Rhenrob Andales, a.k.a. ArAr Andales (13–2), in Rizal, Laguna, on April 9, 2022, for Andales' WBO Oriental mini flyweight title.[22][23] The fight ended in a majority decision draw.[24]
Return to Light flyweight
Following his TKO victory over Ryan Makiputin, Canoy moved once again to the light flyweight division to face veteran Japanese boxer Kenichi Horikawa (41–17–1) for the vacant OPBF light flyweight title. Canoy successfully became a regional champion, putting his first and only Japanese opponent down with a perfect left uppercut, resulting in a seventh-round TKO and snatching the vacant OPBF belt.[25][26][27]
Second return to Mini flyweight
Prior to defeating Horikawa, on July 12, 2023, Canoy fought compatriot Clyde Azarcon in the mini flyweight division. Canoy won via fourth-round TKO.[28]
Cancelled bout vs. Winwood
On April 9, 2024, Canoy was scheduled to fight Olympian and two-time WBC International champion, Alex Winwood, in Winwood's hometown of Australia on June 12, 2024. Their bout served as a WBC mini flyweight world title eliminator.[29] However, on May 23, 2024, the bout was indefinitely delayed.[30] The bout and the undercards of the "Uncaged" event were fully scrapped after the main event (Tyson Pedro vs. Kris Terzievski) was cancelled.[31]
After the fight against Winwood was scrapped, Canoy was scheduled for a keep-busy catchweight bout against 8–4–3 compatriot Pablito Balidio on July 11, 2024, in Malungon, Sarangani, Philippines, on the undercard of Sanman Boxing's Jayson Mama vs. Carlo Demecillo.[32] Canoy prevailed early with a first-round knockout.[33]