PHIL Landman has been roped in to man the corner of Hekkie Budler.

PHIL Landman has been roped in to man the corner of Hekkie Budler.

Landman, 50, a South African based in Los Angeles, is revered worldwide as one of the top strength and conditioning trainers in the sport.

Fight publicist Terry Pettifer said promoter Rodney Berman commended trainer Colin Nathan for involving Landman in Budler's preparations for his coming IBO junior flyweight title fight against Juanito Rubillar.

Golden Gloves will stage the bout at Emperors Palace on February 27.

Berman said: "It looks to me like he realises that he can leave no stone unturned when it comes to world title boxing. Rubillar is a versatile southpaw and there's no way that Hekkie will have an easy fight against him.

"That is why we are happy that we will have Landman to assist."

Retired four-time world champion Jacob "Baby Jake" Matlala was also announced as an additional member of the team. Matlala said his job was to run with Budler and give him tips for the fight.

Nathan was quoted by Pettifer as saying: "Phil is in South Africa on vacation and I was naturally delighted when he said that he'd lend his experience to Hekkie ahead of this potentially career-defining contest."

Landman works closely with Miguel Cotto on his conditioning and according to other members of Cotto's camp, he has become a key component of the success of this former WBA welterweight champion.

Pettifer added that Cara Humphrey, who is regarded as the No 1 sports dietician in South Africa, will monitor Budler throughout his training and prior to his final workout.