Dethroned world champion Hekkie "Hexecutioner" Budler says October 22 is a date for him to make a return to the roped square, and the 28-year-old pocket-sized boxer is delighted to be back.

Dethroned world champion Hekkie "Hexecutioner" Budler says October 22 is a date for him to make a return to the roped square, and the 28-year-old pocket-sized boxer is delighted to be back.

Budler's return will be against Siyabonga Siyo from Eastern Cape.

Promoter Rodney Berman announced that Budler and Siyo would meet over 10 rounds in the bill that will be headlined by Kevin "Ko Kid" Lerena and Mickie Nielsen from Denmark in the final of Golden Gloves Cruiserweight Super Four.

Lerena and Nielsen will fight for a specially designed belt as well as purse money of $100000 (about R1.5-million) to be split 60:40.

Budler last fought in March when he lost the WBA Super mini flyweight belt to Nicaraguan Byron Rojas at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park. Rojas was dethroned by a knockout by CP Freshmart yesterday in Thailand. Siyo fought on June 11 when he failed to win the vacant IBO mini flyweight belt against Simpiwe Konkco at the same casino.

"It is a bit long for me to make a comeback but I am happy to be back in the ring," Budler told Sowetan yesterday. Berman said Budler had an off night against Rojas.

"I am convinced he still has firepower left in him," said Berman.

Said Budler: "Siyo is a very good fighter and I think it will be a hard fight for me because I rate him as a good prospect who will be a world champion in future."

Budler is trained by Colin Nathan while Siyo is under the guidance of Mhikiza Myekeni, Boyboy Mpulampula and Miniyakhe Sityatha