Joey Canoy Delivers Dominant Performance in Unanimous Decision Victory
In a commanding display of skill and strategy, Joey Canoy, the World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 1-ranked minimumweight, outclassed Pablito Balidio to secure a lopsided unanimous decision victory. The bout took place last Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Matanao, Davao del Sur, showcasing Canoy's prowess in the ring.
Canoy's Impressive Win and Record Update
The 32-year-old Canoy dominated the fight from start to finish, earning identical scores of 60-54 from all three judges. This decisive win improves his professional record to 25 wins, 5 losses, and 2 draws, with an impressive 15 knockouts. In contrast, Balidio's record now stands at 8 wins, 10 losses, and 3 draws, with only two knockouts.
This activity fight served as a crucial tune-up for Canoy, who was originally scheduled to face WBC No. 2-ranked Siyakholwa Kuse in a minimumweight world title eliminator on March 28, 2026, in South Africa. However, the fight was canceled after Kuse was named the next challenger for WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem in a highly anticipated rematch.
Canoy's Rankings and Team Connections
Canoy and Jerusalem are teammates under Sanman Promotions, adding an intriguing dynamic to the boxing landscape. Beyond his top WBC ranking, Canoy is also rated No. 5 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and No. 9 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), highlighting his status as a formidable contender in the minimumweight division.
Current Minimumweight Title Holders
Meanwhile, Oscar Collazo currently holds the WBO, WBA, and The Ring minimumweight titles, while Pedro Taduran reigns as the International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight champion. This competitive field sets the stage for potential future matchups and title fights involving Canoy.
Canoy's recent victory not only reinforces his position as a top-ranked boxer but also keeps him in contention for world title opportunities, as he continues to build momentum in his career.
