REAL fame and fortune is within reach for Hekkie "Hexecutioner" Budler.

REAL fame and fortune is within reach for Hekkie "Hexecutioner" Budler.

The pint-sized fighter has already introduced himself in the land of the rand, but now the big bucks beckon.

Budler is the adored fighter who has made waves in the lowest weight division - mini flyweight - which was popularised by the legendary Jacob "Baby Jake" Matlala.

Budler, who keeps eight pythons as pets at his home, made a real impression on April 2 last year by outpointing seasoned campaigner Charrit Mukondeleli over 12 gruelling rounds for the IBO All Africa title.

The whirlwind performer, who is under the guidance of young trainer Colin Nathan, had never gone more than six rounds before. But he mixed it with Mukondeleli throughout their bloody, closely fought fight at Emperors Palace.

Mukondeleli's trainer Benny Pailman gave credit to Budler for his gutsy performance.

Promoter Rodney Berman has afforded Budler a golden opportunity.

Budler will step up a class by opposing Juanito Rubillar for the IBO junior flyweight belt at Emperors Palace on February 27.

Victory against the Filipino veteran of 68 fights will undoubtedly be the appropriate permit for Budler to enter the land of dollars.

Budler is undefeated in 13 fights. He boasts five short-route wins.

Rubillar, 32, is a left-handed former two-time WBC International mini flyweight and junior flyweight champion.

He holds the WBC Continental Americas light flyweight belt and has 48 wins (23 KOs) against 13 losses and seven draws.

Rubillar was defeated on points by Zolani Petelo for the IBF belt in December 1999.

The Budler-Rubillar confrontation will top Golden Gloves' boxing extravaganza.

Shining stars including triple international titlist Thomas Oosthuizen, WBA Intercontinental bantamweight holder Tshifhiwa Munyai, Flo Simba and Kgotla Baeti will fight in undercard bouts.