Bongani Magasela
Bongani Magasela
Trainer Colin Nathan, a hot contender for Boxing SA's trainer of 2008 award, is confident that his HotBox Gym will produce its first international champion in Hekkie Budler.
The two-fisted whirlwind fighter, nicknamed "Hexecutioner", has been matched with Charity Mukondeleli for the vacant African Boxing Union (ABU) junior flyweight belt. Their fight will take place at Emperors Palace on March 21.
"This fight came at the right time for Hekkie, who has improved so much. He will be too smart for Charity. I know Charity too well," said Nathan, who has guided the 20-year-old flaxen- haired rising star to eight wins in as many fights.
Budler began his career last July. He fought as a mini flyweight but has since moved up to the junior flyweight division. He boasts four stoppages.
Meanwhile, Mukondeleli from Limpopo, whose skills are honed in Gauteng by Beny Pailman, Peter Faver and Cliff Martins, is not taking this fight lightly. He has been working hard in the gym throughout the festive season.
Mukondeleli probably realises that a loss could signal the end of his career, his having been in the game since 2000 without any success. This skinny, smart pugilist who works hard for his victories, has only one short-route win from seven victories against six defeats. The winner of this belt, which is secondary to the World Boxing Council International title, will automatically get a WBC rating.
Nathan tips Budler for ABU title
Bongani Magasela
Bongani Magasela
Trainer Colin Nathan, a hot contender for Boxing SA's trainer of 2008 award, is confident that his HotBox Gym will produce its first international champion in Hekkie Budler.
The two-fisted whirlwind fighter, nicknamed "Hexecutioner", has been matched with Charity Mukondeleli for the vacant African Boxing Union (ABU) junior flyweight belt. Their fight will take place at Emperors Palace on March 21.
"This fight came at the right time for Hekkie, who has improved so much. He will be too smart for Charity. I know Charity too well," said Nathan, who has guided the 20-year-old flaxen- haired rising star to eight wins in as many fights.
Budler began his career last July. He fought as a mini flyweight but has since moved up to the junior flyweight division. He boasts four stoppages.
Meanwhile, Mukondeleli from Limpopo, whose skills are honed in Gauteng by Beny Pailman, Peter Faver and Cliff Martins, is not taking this fight lightly. He has been working hard in the gym throughout the festive season.
Mukondeleli probably realises that a loss could signal the end of his career, his having been in the game since 2000 without any success. This skinny, smart pugilist who works hard for his victories, has only one short-route win from seven victories against six defeats. The winner of this belt, which is secondary to the World Boxing Council International title, will automatically get a WBC rating.