Newly crowned IBO straw-weight champion Simpiwe "Chain Reaction" Konkco is a humble human being.

Despite being publicly humiliated by Siyabonga Siyo prior to their main bout of the Golden Gloves Day of Reckoning tournament at Emperors Palace on Saturday, Konkco still sang praises of his victim.

"Siyo is a very good boxer and he showed it [on Saturday]," said Konkco of an opponent who had publicly called him "useless" prior to the fight.

Konkco made an impressive debut under new trainers Colin Nathan, Vusi Mtolo and Springkaan Khongoane. "The boy can box and is clever but obviously for his peers."

The 30-year-old single father of two from Ngangelizwe in Mthatha added: "Praises to my trainers, stable mates and everybody who assisted me during my preparations. Siyo is still young and the future is bright for him."

Konkco improved to 16 wins in 21 bouts, while his Duncan Village foe tasted loss after being undefeated in 10 bouts.

Kevin "KO Kid" Lerena and Mickie Nielsen from Denmark will do battle in the final of the Golden Gloves Cruiserweight Super Four series on October 22 for a $100000 purse money to be split 60-40. They won their semifinal 10 rounders on Saturday against Robert Bolonti and Johnny "The Hurricane" Muller, respectively.

Joshua Studdard lost a fight he should have won against Ayanda Nkosi over six rounds. Studdard is a better boxer skilfully but he did not throw enough leather to convince two judges who scored the bout 59-55 and 58-56 in favour of Nkosi. The third judge scored it a draw at 57-57.

Former politician and successful businessman Tokyo Sexwale gave a eulogy on the life of departed boxing icon, entertainer and revolutionary Muhammad Ali, who was buried on Friday.