JOEY Canoy is out to prove that he’s a world championship caliber fighter as he looks for a statement victory in South Africa.

“I know I can still make it. I feel strong, and I need this fight to make a statement. I will give every strength left to get the title and bring it home,” said Canoy.

Canoy guns for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Inter-Continental light flyweight belt against South African Nhlanhla Tyirha on May 21 at the International Convention Centre in East London, Eastern Cape.

A win could catapult Canoy back into the world rankings.

He was once rated No. 4 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and No. 7 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) in the minimumweight division in 2019.

Canoy fought for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) minimumweight title and lost to South African star Nkosinathi Joyi by unanimous decision in South Africa on Dec. 17, 2019.

Canoy fought in South Africa three times. He lost two bouts, while the third ended in a no contest.

Sanman Promotions chief executive officer JC Manangquil believes that Canoy is at the peak of his game and could become a future world champion for the country.

“He is 27 and in his prime. He is disciplined. Joey has the potential, and with good focus and dedication, this can be a stepping stone for a bigger fight,” he said.

Hiroto Kyoguchi is the current WBA Super champion, while Carlos Canizales is the regular WBA titleholder in the light flyweight division.

Little is known about Tyirha. He has only five pro bouts under his belt and fought for the WBO Africa light flyweight belt and lost via unanimous decision on April 4, 2019.

Canoy is 16-4-1 with nine knockouts, while Tyirha is 4-1 with two knockouts.