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South Africa’s diminutive Hekkie “The Hex-ecutioner” Budler equaled the record of the legendary Vic Toweel at Emperors Palace on Saturday night, by winning a world title in only his 14th professional fight. The 21-year-old Budler upset the odds and many boxing pundits when he scored a narrow, albeit thoroughly deserved 12-round majority decision over Juanito Rubillar of the Phillipines in a bout for the vacant IBO world junior flyweight title.
Make no mistake, this was a blistering contest that had the full-house crowd on their feet for most of the fight and while some ringsiders felt that the 33-year-old veteran from the Philippines may have done enough to edge his far less experienced opponent, others (this writer included) agreed with the official verdict, that saw the battle-bruised Newlands warrior lift the vacant crown. Mind you, this fever-pitched encounter was up for grabs for most of the way, and at the final bell your scribe’s uninvited prognosis had the fiery South African ahead by two points (115-113) which happened to concur with one of the ringside judges Deon Dwarte.
Eastern Cape official Lulama Mtya seemed overly generous in awarding Budler a four-point victory (117-113) while Isaac Tshabalala couldn’t separate the two lion-hearted practitioners and penciled in a score of 114-114.
Budler, who tipped the scales at 48.80 kg to the Filipino’s 48.98, started hard and fast and possibly won three of the first five rounds, before his southpaw rival picked up the pace to score with ripping body punches. American referee Pete Podgorski, however, failed to warn Rubillar enough times for using his head like a Billy-goat and after the fight Budler looked much the worse for wear.
As a result of this championship win, Budler’s record improved to 14-0, 5 knockouts, while Rubillar’s resume dropped to 48-14-7, 23 knockouts.
Though Budler’s swollen face bore ample testimony to the pace and fury of the fight, he managed a weary smile through blood-flecked lips afterwards. “I thought I was in front by the end of the eleventh and was satisfied that I’d done enough to win it” said the Python-loving new IBO champion.
Tshifhiwa “The Atomic Spider” Munyai retained his WBA Intercontinental bantamweight title with a sublime 12-round points win over a brave but outclassed Daniel Ferraras of the Philippines, but he first had to pick himself up off the floor in the 10th round after one of the courageous Filipino’s desperate efforts sent him to the canvas. That said, Ferraras took a whale of a head beating and based on Munyai’s extraordinary level of talent and flair, he could be an excellent bet to win a world championship later this year.
Jason “Badman” Bedeman rose from double-knockdowns in the opening stanza to stop the vicious punching Bilal Mohammed of Ghana in the 2nd round in their bout for the vacant WBA Pan Africa lightweight title. Undefeated in 13 fights (11-0-2, with 9 knockouts), Bedeman is only 20-years-old and could develop into an excellent drawcard, given his blazing style and amazing resolve.
Meanwhile Tommy “Tommy Gun” Oosthuizen (10-0, 7 knockouts) was far too good for the much shorter Thomas Awinbono of Ghana, en route to successfully defending his WBA Pan Africa super middleweight title over 12 rounds. A word of warning however, Ooosthuizen should refrain from showboating as this could cost him dearly when he meets a better class opponent.
The highly publicized 4-round heavyweight fight between Flo “The Demolition Man” Simba and Stephen Castle certainly underlined the 20-year-old Simba’s enormous potential, though Castle became the first of the Demolition Man’s opponents to last more than one round. Nevertheless, after a gallant effort, Castle was halted in the fourth round after being previously dropped in the preceding frame.
March 01, 2010 at 11:09 am, Simon said:
I sat in Row A and enjoyed the evening. My personal take on the fights as follows. I know this is your column Terry so please pardon the lengthy opinion below.
Simba vs. Castle – a positive fight in that Castle was able to expose certain weaknesses in Flo’s armoury that Flo will need to work on in future. With 2 mins to go in the final round and Castle looking fine after the knockdown I felt the towel came in prematurly. Flo has a bright future and Castle showed what a tough nut he can be.
Oosthuizen vs. Awinbono – Harold said it when he mentioned Awinbono didn’t come to fight. Not an easy outing for Tommy but not too bad. If anything I’d say Tommy needed to unload more, perhaps throw a few more punches in his combinations.
Bedeman vs. Mohammed – Jason showed a huge amount of guts to get up from the knockdowns and stop Bilal. Manny will watch that one be pleased with the guts shown. Jason doesn’t seem to move his upper body much which could be exposed against a skillful fighter.
Munyai vs. Ferraras – Hell that Ferraras was a tough customer who seemed to get a 2nd, 3rd and fouth winds during the contest. Munyai’s lateral movement and hand speed clearly making him the victor.
Budler vs. Rubillar – Hekkie won this fight, I don’t care what anyone else says. Judges got it right. War of endurance. Rubillar’s body attack started a little late to do the needed damage. Hekkie’s punches were cleaner and he landed more.
Well done to all the fighters. Well worth the money. Any two people qualifying and fighting in the proffessional world of boxing have done well.
March 01, 2010 at 11:42 am, Simon said:
Sorry, infinitly more important than my opnions above is sincere condolences to Flo and his family for the loss of his brother. May he rest in peace.
March 01, 2010 at 2:11 pm, Britt said:
There is a word that I think I can’t really spell but I will try.
Immaculate.
This show That GGP put on was surly the best show I have ever came across, my word my night was made with Flo winning, And Tommy out smarting he’s opponent and then you put a cherry on my cake with some cheer class by Butler.
Sure that word describes this show so beautifully Immaculate.
Amen to that.
Great show.
March 01, 2010 at 10:34 pm, Fan of The BADMAN said:
Well done to THE BADMAN what a fight!!!!!
March 02, 2010 at 7:37 am, fight fan said:
congrats to all fighters.
March 03, 2010 at 3:58 pm, Derick said:
Hexx the biggest heart in SA boxing and he has the skill 2 be number1 in the world ,abit of strength training and he is there,I say stuff what the critics have to say about hekkeys fight he did what he had to and he walked away with what he wanted respect,colin nathen hexs trainer ,his name is getting throwen around and people say he has no clue about boxing clearly you fight fans did not see that hotbox had 2 fights and 2 wins you can’t beat them join them ,I rate colin loads of respect to him and his empire …simba a gentalman and has what it takes to be on top of his class just too good…jason got cought with jabs that shouldent of touched him tho he got the win he is 1 powerhouse boxer Manny just has to teach him some skill…tommy has it but has gotta lose the attitude ,people go to watch him win…he does not want his fans 2 come and watch him lose, we all know his potential he is a ‘white’ boxer that SA needs ,good for the spot and his name is being spoken about often ‘machine’…thanks Golden Gloves 4 a good night of boxing 1 to put down in my books AKA Muscle$
March 03, 2010 at 6:29 pm, Verne said:
well done Butler , you legend