The late change of opponent for Hekkie “Hexecutioner” Budler, who will be involved in a “keep busy” fight in Ormonde, Johannesburg south, on Saturday night, has nothing to do with his manager Colin Nathan looking for a soft opponent because Budler is at a stage where he cannot afford to lose a fight.
A negative result could jeopardise his chance of challenging WBC and WBA junior flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraj. That fight is expected to take place in August in Japan.
Budler – who has held the IBO, IBF and WBA belts – is rated No 1 by the WBC. He is also a recipient of The Ring Magazine belt. Nathan and promoter Rodney Berman are credited for Budler’s success.
The WBC and WBO titles are the only two that the tiny fighter from Newlands, west of Johannesburg, has not won.
It was reported earlier last week that the accomplished fighter was to face Kitidech Hirunsuk from Thailand who has 11 wins and four losses.
Budler will now welcome Enrique Magsalin from the Philippines who has eight wins, four losses and two draws.
“This is not a soft touch,” said Nathan. “We had five cancellations on Hekkie. Basically we struggled to get opponents for Budler. It is a situation where a guy stepped up to the plate last minute and this was the only guy who was willing to take the fight against Budler.
“The fight is still risky. It’s a must-win fight for Budler. There is a lot on the line as you know because we are looking forward to fighting Teraji in August in Japan.”
Budler has chalked up 34 wins in 38 fights. Magsalin, 27, last fought in April when he registered a points win over countryman Jeffrey Concerman.
Budler and Magsalin will headline the Boxing 5 international boxing tournament at Unisa Conference Hall.
Budler’s stablemate Deejay Kriel will take on Sandeep Kumar from India in the main supporting bout while Sikho “Sequence” Nqothole, reigning WBO Global bantamweight holder, will welcome Boonrueang Phayom from Thailand.
ABU flyweight champ Smangele “Smash” Hadebe will be in action against Phayon’s homegirl Phannaluk Kongsang, with Hedda “The Shredder” Wolmarans taking on Zambian-based Zimbabwean Monalisa Simon. Cayden Trutter will take on Sandile Dumisa.
No titles will be at stake in these bouts.
The tournament will be hosted in the hall, which can accommodate about 2,500 people. Tickets prices are R350 (general sting), R500 (ringside), R10,000 and R15,000 for a table of 10 that includes food and drinks.
Promoter Larry Wainstein said one lucky ticket buyer will win a brand new Suzuki motor vehicle. Action will begin at 7pm.
Change of opponent not ‘a soft touch’ – Budler’s manager
Loss could jeopardise fighter’s chance of challenging for title
Image: Moeletsi Mabe
The late change of opponent for Hekkie “Hexecutioner” Budler, who will be involved in a “keep busy” fight in Ormonde, Johannesburg south, on Saturday night, has nothing to do with his manager Colin Nathan looking for a soft opponent because Budler is at a stage where he cannot afford to lose a fight.
A negative result could jeopardise his chance of challenging WBC and WBA junior flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraj. That fight is expected to take place in August in Japan.
Budler – who has held the IBO, IBF and WBA belts – is rated No 1 by the WBC. He is also a recipient of The Ring Magazine belt. Nathan and promoter Rodney Berman are credited for Budler’s success.
The WBC and WBO titles are the only two that the tiny fighter from Newlands, west of Johannesburg, has not won.
It was reported earlier last week that the accomplished fighter was to face Kitidech Hirunsuk from Thailand who has 11 wins and four losses.
Budler will now welcome Enrique Magsalin from the Philippines who has eight wins, four losses and two draws.
“This is not a soft touch,” said Nathan. “We had five cancellations on Hekkie. Basically we struggled to get opponents for Budler. It is a situation where a guy stepped up to the plate last minute and this was the only guy who was willing to take the fight against Budler.
“The fight is still risky. It’s a must-win fight for Budler. There is a lot on the line as you know because we are looking forward to fighting Teraji in August in Japan.”
Budler has chalked up 34 wins in 38 fights. Magsalin, 27, last fought in April when he registered a points win over countryman Jeffrey Concerman.
Budler and Magsalin will headline the Boxing 5 international boxing tournament at Unisa Conference Hall.
Budler’s stablemate Deejay Kriel will take on Sandeep Kumar from India in the main supporting bout while Sikho “Sequence” Nqothole, reigning WBO Global bantamweight holder, will welcome Boonrueang Phayom from Thailand.
ABU flyweight champ Smangele “Smash” Hadebe will be in action against Phayon’s homegirl Phannaluk Kongsang, with Hedda “The Shredder” Wolmarans taking on Zambian-based Zimbabwean Monalisa Simon. Cayden Trutter will take on Sandile Dumisa.
No titles will be at stake in these bouts.
The tournament will be hosted in the hall, which can accommodate about 2,500 people. Tickets prices are R350 (general sting), R500 (ringside), R10,000 and R15,000 for a table of 10 that includes food and drinks.
Promoter Larry Wainstein said one lucky ticket buyer will win a brand new Suzuki motor vehicle. Action will begin at 7pm.
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