Promoter Rodney Berman is backing mini flyweight prospect Dee Jay "The Real" Kriel to emulate former IBO and WBA super mini flyweight and current IBO junior flyweight holder Hekkie "Hexecutioner" Budler.
"Dee Jay has the hallmarks of a future champion and I believe that he will follow in the footsteps of Hekkie," said Berman.
He can take a giant step in that direction at Emperors Palace on Sunday, when the 22-year-old from Boksburg challenges for the WBC international title in the main bout of Berman and Jeff Ellis's "AmaBhungu Ak'Sasa" bill.
Berman and Ellis have matched Kriel, who is trained by Colin Nathan, with Filipino Dexter "Kid Mama" Alimento. Kriel and his 21-year-old opponent have almost identical CVs. Kriel has 11 wins against one loss while Alimento also has one loss against 12 wins.
In his last fight, Kriel seemed to be heading for a defeat against Xolisa Magusha who had him in all sorts of trouble for three rounds. But Kriel turned things around by moving from side to side like a matador while collecting points with crisp punches.
Alimento won the WBC youth belt in January last year. His only loss came in October but he redeemed himself with a win against experienced Rodel Tejares.
Also to feature in Sunday's bill is recently crowned IBF youth featherweight champion Lerato Dlamini, who will face Thembani Hobyane over eight rounds while Ayabonga Sonjica faces Alex Lunti in the junior featherweights. There will be three more bouts. Action begins at 2pm.
Kriel set up as next Budler
Promoter Rodney Berman is backing mini flyweight prospect Dee Jay "The Real" Kriel to emulate former IBO and WBA super mini flyweight and current IBO junior flyweight holder Hekkie "Hexecutioner" Budler.
"Dee Jay has the hallmarks of a future champion and I believe that he will follow in the footsteps of Hekkie," said Berman.
He can take a giant step in that direction at Emperors Palace on Sunday, when the 22-year-old from Boksburg challenges for the WBC international title in the main bout of Berman and Jeff Ellis's "AmaBhungu Ak'Sasa" bill.
Berman and Ellis have matched Kriel, who is trained by Colin Nathan, with Filipino Dexter "Kid Mama" Alimento. Kriel and his 21-year-old opponent have almost identical CVs. Kriel has 11 wins against one loss while Alimento also has one loss against 12 wins.
In his last fight, Kriel seemed to be heading for a defeat against Xolisa Magusha who had him in all sorts of trouble for three rounds. But Kriel turned things around by moving from side to side like a matador while collecting points with crisp punches.
Alimento won the WBC youth belt in January last year. His only loss came in October but he redeemed himself with a win against experienced Rodel Tejares.
Also to feature in Sunday's bill is recently crowned IBF youth featherweight champion Lerato Dlamini, who will face Thembani Hobyane over eight rounds while Ayabonga Sonjica faces Alex Lunti in the junior featherweights. There will be three more bouts. Action begins at 2pm.