Recently crowned IBO world junior flyweight champion Hekkie “The Hex-ecutioner” Budler (14-0, 5 knockouts) needs to “toughen up” before he’s ready for the global stage! This was said by Golden Gloves Promoter Rodney Berman following the 21-year-old Budler’s recent IBO championship triumph over the highly experienced Juanito Rubillar of the Philippines at Emperors Palace.
“Budler is an extraordinary young fighter, with mountains of courage” said Berman, “but he definitely needs to toughen up his physique before he can compete against some of the leading lights in the junior flyweight division”.
While Berman is mindful of the fact that Budler is still a blooming starlet with his whole career ahead of him, he pulled no punches when assessing the mechanics of the Newlands boxer’s triumph. “Look, that bout could have gone either way, it was that close. But while I concede that Hekkie’s work in the first six rounds and subsequent surge near the end were enough to carry him to victory, those body shots of Rubillar’s really hurt him. Yes, he bravely weathered the storm and rallied his resources to win the decision, but nevertheless, one has to be practical in terms of Budler’s overall growth and visible weaknesses” said Berman.
In this respect, Berman believes that Budler will need weight and strength training in order to “harden what is still a very young body”, and as a result may even have to fight in a heavier weight division.
“Make no mistake, Budler won’t remain a junior flyweight, and while weight training is frowned upon by certain trainers, it was clearly evident that Budler’s hasn’t physically developed yet. Moreover, he will need to have the necessary muscle to handle lively infighters who are strong at the weight. For me, Hekkie is a veritable buzzsaw in action but there are unquestionably things that need to be rectified if he’s to realize his immense potential”.
That Budler will feature on the Emperors Palace/Golden Gloves Promotions June 18 “BLOCKBUSTER” event is as yet uncertain, as Berman is painstakingly assembling his options and together with US business associate Art Pellulo of Banner Promotions, has been formulating the right product mix for a tournament of such magnitude.
“The June extravaganza has to be an elitist event” said Berman, “and as such Art and I are hard at working compiling the most likely fight card to compliment what figures to be a heady month in South Africa’s history”.
Wow, this tournament is sure going to be a big one… 18th June 2010 here we come!!!
Please let us in on just a few names so long…. so that we have something to look forward to…. LOL
I THINK A GOOD TOURNAMENT WOULD LOOK LIKE THIS.
“GOLDEN BOY”
“THE FIREBALL”
“TOMMY GUN”
“THE HEX”
“ATOMIC SPIDER”
I don’t question the knowledge of Rodney Berman or other staff at GGP but I can’t help feeling that a fighter is making a mistake putting on extra muscle mass for the sake of getting stronger. Hardening up is one thing, but when you move up to a division and fight guys who have cut down to make that weight, your job is so tough. If Hekkie naturaly moves into another weight division then fine, but I wouldn’t force it.
Rodney was referring to a “natural” weight progression and certainly not one that would in any way handicap the wonderfully talented Budler. Clearly GGP would never force any boxer to move up a weight division, though in Hekkie’s case, maturity will more than likely add further poundage to his frame.
I think with the heart of a lion the talent of a world champion Hekkie needs experience and that there will toughen him up. And that perfect bowl I think will surely be nice seeing, Tommy, Hekkie , Flo , Isaac and to real make it a night to be remembered put the Spider on.
I agree with Mr Berman, although Hekkie is an excellent fighter he is not tough enough yet.
The perfect bill to me would of course include Johnny Muller vs may Bulli Muravha as well???
Now you’re talking, yes add these two heavyweights to the bill and it would be a tournament to remember.
Budler surely fights with his whole heart. One can only watch this champion to see where his passion lies. Alas, Rodney Berman is correct in giving this advice. Good list put together Andre, and I agree to add Johnny and Bull Muravha to the bill, explosive stuff! So how about it GGP?
Remember that Hex is still very much a a kid in his physical appearence. He will naturally bulk up as the years go by and will probably progress another 2 or 3 weight divisions. For the meantime it would be good for him to begin a strength training program with a focus on developing explosivness – that will aid his punchpower which is lacking at the moment. Throw in a bit of Pilates for the core and he will be a much better fighter for it.
BUDLER JUST HAS SOMETHING SO SPECIAL. HE IS STIL A KID BUT HE HAS SO MUCH CLASS. HE GAVE US A FIGHT HE JUST WOULD NOT GIVE UP.
HEX I AM A SOUTH AFRICAN SUPPORTER OF THE SPORT BOXING. AND I AM PROUD OF YOU.
A TOURNAMENT WITHOUT YOU WILL CERTANLY NOT FILL THE HALL LIKE THE ONE THAT HAS YOU.
MY LIST IS THE HEX / THE STORM / TOMMY /
STIGLING
YOU WILL HAVE NO SPACE IN THE ROOM FOR A FLY.
My list would be the BADMAN/HEX/TOMMY/SIMBA/SPIDER
Have to agree with you daniel The BADMAN the Hex and Tommy also the spider would make for a very exciting tournament in june.
A bill featuring Bedeman, Hekkie , Chilembe, Spider And Tommy in June would be one for the books for sure.