Golden Gloves

Trainer Colin Nathan predicts a ‘blue ribbon’ performance from his aspiring young world beater Hekkie “The Hex-ecutioner” Budler, when he fights Juanito Rubillar for the vacant IBO world junior flyweight title at Emperors Palace on February 27.

An underdog on the night, Budler –who will be having only his 14th professional fight – is purported to be in resplendent physical condition and Nathan believes that his high-voltage workrate and two-fisted combinations will see him overcome the highly experienced Rubillar inside ten rounds. “Yes I know all about Rubillar’s level of experience and the fact that he’s had over sixty fights and is rated #6 by the WBC” said Nathan, “but believe me, he’s never met a fighter with my guy’s determination and discipline and I’ve no doubt whatsoever that Hekkie will bust this Filipino up in the first ten rounds”.

A southpaw, Rubillar is 32-years old (almost 12 years older than Budler) and he has regularly swapped leather with the crème de la crème of the junior flyweight ranks.

“Hekkie must not underestimate Rubillar” warned Golden Gloves Promoter Rodney Berman this week, but if he sticks to his game plan, I see no reason why he cannot overcome Rubillar to become South Africa’s first Caucasian boxer ever to win a world junior flyweight title”.

Trainer Nathan certainly feels that Budler’s task on February 27 will be simplified by the extensive sparring he’s been doing with ace left-hander Bongani Dlamini of late.
“Hekkie knows that southpaws are invariably difficult to handle and as such we’ve structured a plan whereby he (Budler) can neutralize Rubillar’s points scoring jab and dangerous left hook. Take it from me, this fella from the Philippines will be hard-pressed to go the full 12 rounds” concluded Nathan.