South Africa’s two-time Hall of Famer, Brian Mitchell, has warned Hekkie “The Hex-ecutioner” Budler of the danger of underrating Juanito Rubillar and employing the correct fight plan, when they fight for the vacant IBO world junior flyweight title on February 27, at Emperors Palace.

“I’ve been reliably informed that Hekkie is in marvelous physical condition” said South Africa’s illustrious former WBA and IBF junior lightweight champion, “but the thing that worries me is not his resolve and fitness, but rather the strategy he’ll employ when he shapes up to Rubillar, whose a crafty southpaw with ascertained credentials on the international circuit”.

Mitchell added; “Most southpaws are essentially counter punchers and in this respect Hekkie will need to adopt a strategic battle-plan that is somewhat different from his characteristic biff-bang frontal assaults. Moreover, a guy like Hekkie, who loves warring in the trenches, could be susceptible to uppercuts thrown at close quarters, and as we know, Rubillar has a very dangerous uppercut that he fires with jarring effect.”

Mitchell also commented on the fact that certain analysts have understated Rubillar’s hitherto attainments. “Look, the man is highly rated by the WBC and he’s been around for a long time, giving him a massive edge in experience. At 32 he is eleven years older than Budler, but don’t forget that Hekkie has only had 13 professional fights and is clearly disadvantaged in terms of seasoning. Frankly, I think Hekkie has the stamina, courage and talent to do the job (win the fight) but a helluva lot depends on what tactics he adopts for the fight”.