THE first time Hekkie Budler met Gennady Golovkin, he did so with his WBA and IBO championship belts draped over his shoulders.

"See," the South African told the Kazakh, pointing to the rewards of his trade, "I have the same belts as you."

That was last October when Golovkin was ringside for Budler's last title defence in Monte Carlo.

Tomorrow the pair share top billing in this remarkable city where ringside seats will set you back R33000. Golovkin is on the verge of superstardom, his 18-fight knockout streak having drawn comparisons with Mike Tyson in his prime.

The major US market has taken a while to warm up to the middleweight champion despite his solid claim to being the current most exciting fighter in the sport.

For Budler, it has been even more difficult to break through. Like Baby Jake Matlala before him, Budler - he is in the sport's smallest division - has struggled to be taken seriously. US TV giant HBO won't touch him, not because he isn't an outstanding fighter but because their market does not appreciate 48kg fighters.

Too bad, because Budler - who defends his WBA and IBO minimum-weight titles against Jesus Silvestre - has matured into an all-action boxer whose package includes technicolour hair, tattoos and the sweetest personality in the sport.

"He never questions me, that's why he is so successful," said trainer Colin Nathan, whose regimen this week has included 3am wake-up calls for roadwork.