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The South African boxing year will start in explosive fashion with the “Night of the Big Little Men” tournament in aid of Baby Jake Matlala at Emperors Palace on January 27.
The SA boxing community has come together to support Matlala, who has been struck down by illness, with proceeds from the six-bout tournament going to one of the country’s greatest sporting heroes.
The tournament was officially announced in Johannesburg today.
“This is overwhelming,” said Matlala. “Apart from the financial aspect, I am grateful for the continued admiration of the South African public, more particularly my friends in boxing.”
The tournament, to be broadcast live by SuperSport, will be headlined by Hekkie Budler’s IBO light-flyweight title defence against countryman Gideon Buthelezi.
Matlala holds a special place in Budler’s heart. Not only are the pair similar in size, but Budler grew up idolising the former world champion.
If this fight has attracted massive hype, the real excitement is focused on heavyweight Flo Simba. The undefeated Brian Mitchell protégé is a KO artist and will be looking for win number nine against rugged Sting Gonorend Chomunorwa.
Also at heavyweight, hard man Stephen Castle will look to stop Elvis Moyo who has arguably the best chin in the division. Indeed, he remains the only man to have gone the distance with Simba and guarantees hard work for every opponent.
Castle has created a unique incentive to raise funds for Matlala. He is challenging corporates to sponsor him at least R1000 for every round with an additional R4000 if he wins against rugged Moyo.
“I don’t need to fight, I want to fight,” said the crowd-pleasing Castle, who put up a solid showing against Simba before losing last year.
He flirted with retirement even before then, but he is enthused by the possibilities of appearing on the Baby Jake bill. “When matchmaker Ruben Rasodi called me, I didn’t hesitate – we need to band together to help one of South African boxing’s greatest heroes.”
There are also two lightweight bouts and another at featherweight, with boxing starting at 7.30pm.
Promoter Rodney Berman admits that all the hype around Matlala has probably taken the focus off the headliner, but he expects a mini-classic.
“History has proven that local rivalries often produce the best fights. Buthelezi has nothing to lose: he steps up in weight and, if he wins, gets to choose his division. If he loses, he can go back to his regular weight.
“If Budler loses, it’s back to the grindstone, especially as it would jeopardise his top 10 ranking in the WBC and IBF. There’s too much at stake for him.”
As for Simba, Berman says he will be laying it all on the line: “By the end of 2011 I hope he will be recognised as a genuine international heavyweight prospect. To do that he must be winning, preferably by stoppage.”
Berman has been encouraged by the support for Matlala: “The response has been beyond our wildest expectations. One thousand people will be privileged to attend. What’s more, Baby Jake is desperate to be there, health permitting. We’ll do everything we can to get him.”
Berman has structured the tournament in such a way that Matlala benefits as far as possible with an auction adding to the proceeds.
Goods on offer include a fantastic array of memorabilia: two boxed and framed original world title belts won by Matlala, a signed Manny Pacquiao glove, a signed Sugar Ray Leonard photograph, a signed Ronaldo shirt and much more.
Many of South Africa’s movers and shakers are expected to attend. General Bheki Cele has confirmed his attendance, as have Irvin Khoza, Fikile Mbalula and Tokyo Sexwale.
An invitation has also been extended to President Jacob Zuma’s office.
The tournament will be broadcast live on SuperSport 2 and M-Net/CSN from 7.30pm.
BOUTS
1 Featherweight (4 rounds): Prince Ndlovu vs Gert Arris.
2 Lightweight (4 rounds): Charles Sekhwibidu vs Alexander Jonker.
3. Lightweight (6 rounds): Takalani Dangala vs Warren Joubert.
4. Heavyweight (6 rounds): Elvis Moyo vs Stephen Castle.
5. Heavyweight (6 rounds): Sting Chomunorwa vs Flo Simba.
6. IBO junior-flyweight title (12 rounds): Gideon Buthelezi vs Hekkie Budler.
BOXING BIOS
Takalani Dangala
5-5 (2 KOs)
Now in his fourth year as a professional, Dangala has had an up and down career with as many wins as losses. Always supremely fit, he upset highly regarded Simkelo Fani in 2009, but needs a good win against Joubert to get back into the lightweight reckoning.
Warren Joubert
16-2-1 (10 KOs)
Joubert’s world was rocked by two back-to-back defeats last year, the last of them an eight-round classic against unbeaten Joey Stiglingh. The fight against Dangala offers him partial redemption, but, whatever happens, he never gives less than 100 percent value.
Elvis Moyo
0-3-1
The rugged Zimbabwe heavyweight has had the misfortune to be thrown in against young lions like Flo Simba and Johnny Muller. To his great credit, he made them work hard and displayed an iron chin in doing so. Now under Manny Fernandes’ tutelage, he’s still chasing a first win, but will have it tough against Stephen Castle.
Stephen Castle
5-1-2 (2 KOs)
Castle fight as “The People’s Champion” thanks to his popularity among fight fans. He’s been matched tough against the hard men of the division locally and never fails to entertain. His only loss came against Flo Simba 11 months ago.
Flo Simba
8-0 (7KOs)
With his power and devastating speed, the current SA Prospect of the Year is the country’s most exciting boxer. A boxer-puncher with one-hit KO ability, Simba pulls in the fans. Promoter Rodney Berman is banking on “Demolition Man” going all the way.
Sting Chomunorwa
6-8 (4KOs)
The 27-year-old Zimbabwean loves a good scrap and always comes to fight. Last year he gave former Olympian Danie Venter all the trouble he could handle and also upset unbeaten Rudi Bruwer. He’ll have to be at his best to have any chance of upsetting Simba, though.
Hekkie Budler
17-0 (5KOs)
One of the smallest fighters in SA has one of the biggest hearts, as he proved in winning three tough bouts last year, two of them against 60-fight veteran Juanito Rubillar. Still just 22, the IBO champion has raced to 17 quick wins and ranks as one of SA’s best boxers.
Gideon Buthelezi
11-2 (4KOs)
The holder of the IBO’s minimumweight title, Buthelezi will be stepping up a division to challenge Budler. Originally from Boipatong, Buthelezi is an awkward southpaw who could give Budler all sorts of difficulties.
January 13, 2011 at 10:48 am, Duncan said:
it’s gonna be a great night in the palace.
goodluck to all the fighters.
January 13, 2011 at 11:34 am, Boxing supporter said:
Budler will stop Buthelezi now ways he can stand against Budler.
January 13, 2011 at 8:55 pm, Left hook said:
Budler cant punch man no boxing style,how will he beat king Buthelezi?keep on dreaming Boxing supporter.hahahaha
January 13, 2011 at 9:17 pm, Giovani said:
where can i collect my 2 tickets that i’ve won? And for which show is it?
January 14, 2011 at 8:45 am, Flo Simba Fan said:
HI GIOVANI
ALL THE BEST FOR 2011 FOR YOU, MY GOD BLESS U
THE TICKETS ITS FOR MARCH 26- YOU MUST CONTACT
SHONA McTAGGERT-SHONA@MWEB.CO.ZA
January 14, 2011 at 8:57 am, Jono B said:
Budler is a great Boxer and great young man.
He works hard and will be Champion for a long time.
Good Luck Hekkie
January 14, 2011 at 8:59 am, Patsy said:
Hi all Hekkie is going to Win!
He has heart and a great Boxing game, he will still be Champion on the end of the night.
January 14, 2011 at 9:02 am, Emilio said:
Hekkie is going to show SA why he is still the best young World Title holder in the IBO.
Keep doing a great Job Hekkie.
January 14, 2011 at 1:03 pm, Boxing supporter said:
Sorry Left Hook
But just tell me did that punch you took become your name.
Budler is my Hero and to me there is no other
champ. Lets talk again on the day after the fight.
This boxer always gets to fight the lions and always wins.
We love our Little Champ.
Still would like to take him home with me
and give him all the love I can.
January 14, 2011 at 1:21 pm, Flo Simba Fan said:
LEFT HOOK-”FISH HOOK” SOUNDS BETTER
“buthelezi” WILL NEVER BEAT HEKKIE BUTLER, HE DID TRY IT IN AMATEURS AND HE FAILED-SORRRRRRRY
TRY NEXT TIME MY FRIEND, NOT THIS TIME
January 14, 2011 at 9:56 pm, Left hook said:
After the fight i want to see all those comments about Hekkie winning.Hekkie will never beat King Buthelezi.this is the end of Hekkie.he has no style to beat the great Buthelezi.hahahahaha
January 15, 2011 at 7:17 pm, Punchdronk said:
Is Rodney Berman smoking socks? He thinks Flo Simba will be a Heavyweight prospect Worldwide. Who are you trying to kid, he will get hurt by many fighters who are not big names, Sam Sexton, Derek Chisora, David Price, Tyson Fury. You can fool people in SA into thinking he is WORLD CLASS but not the rest of the world…. The same goes for Tommy Ooisthuizen, would he last 4 rounds with the likes of James Degale, I dont think so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 15, 2011 at 10:20 pm, pj said:
good luck to all the fighters….may this night be war!!!!!!
January 16, 2011 at 12:17 am, Paul said:
Hekkie will have a tough fight but I think his pressure will be to much I would love to watch one of his training sessions where he is sparring and hitting pads are we aloowed to?
January 16, 2011 at 4:39 pm, Payback said:
Why is it that Left Hook never has anything good to say about Hekkie, I’m starting to think he may be a little subjective. Its a great match up and its going to be an exciting fight.
Duncan I agree with you, I think it will be a great night at the palace with loads of great fighters.
My money is on Hekkie, hands down, by KO.
January 17, 2011 at 7:53 am, Flo Simba Fan said:
PUNCHDRONK-I THINK YOU GOT THE RIGHT NAME- P-DRONK-SOUNDS BETTER-YOU SMOKING YOUR SOCKS NOT MR BERMAN.I THINK YOU MUST TAKE “FISH HOOK WITH YOUPN A FISHING TRIP-SO THAT YOU CAN GO FISHING AND GET “DRONK”-MAYBE IT WILL BE GOOD FOR YOU
January 17, 2011 at 10:35 am, Duncan said:
I think after Hekkie has beaten Buthelezi you wont see or hear anything from lefthook on this site for a while.
And for P@#$%^& dronk dude are you drinking papsak or what or you probably smoking to much mountain cabbage…..harsh words for a new guy on this forum
January 17, 2011 at 10:38 am, Classy said:
Left hook is Elias – thats why he never has anything good to say about Hex. Thats fair enough tho, he is the trainer of Gideon.
You will also notice that for a trainer he has very little knowledge to share with us fans. I tend to think that is because he is still in “bucket-boy” mode and has yet to really learn anything about the game.
Sadly, this website has become an outlet for his stupid remarks and unfortunately us, as real boxing fans will not benefit from anything he does.
Also, be wary if he offers you an apartment and a car – its a con!
January 17, 2011 at 3:11 pm, Flo Simba Fan said:
CLASSY/DUNCAN- YOU GO WITH THAT REMARKS
January 17, 2011 at 4:06 pm, Duncan said:
On the button Classy…..bucket boy hahahahaha
January 17, 2011 at 10:29 pm, Left hook said:
Classy u said the samething with Tommy vs Chilemba and wht happend on dat fight.hahaha.u can call me Elias thats good for u.just wait till the 27 u will know my real name is.if u like u can call me colin,
January 17, 2011 at 10:34 pm, Maara why, said:
Flo Simba fan,the last time u told the ppl lies by saying Tommy will beat Chilemba and u were wrong.now u r doing the same thing again shame on u.kikikikiki.
January 18, 2011 at 8:55 am, Britt said:
Amen to that Classy.
January 18, 2011 at 9:36 am, Flo Simba Fan said:
MAARA WHY-KNOW “WHY” U ASKING ME NOW THAT QUESTION-THEY NEVER BOXES IN AMATEURS-BUT HEKKIE BEAT-UP -buthelezi -SO HARD IN AMATEUR NOT ONCE.BUT….HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA
January 18, 2011 at 10:29 am, Classy said:
I beleive I favoured Chilemba the whole way and leaned toward him to win. Since it was a draw I guess I was half right.
Hows the retread business treating you Elias? You must be getting a little nervous these days knowing that your time as a trainer allied to a big promoter is rather limited…don’t worry – I am sure there are up-and-coming trainers out there in need of a good bucket boy!
January 18, 2011 at 12:17 pm, Payback said:
Left Hook, did you just brag about a draw, you are kidding me right?
Bucket boy or not, be an ambassador to the sport and to the fighters, go at the trainers if you want, but don’t sit behind an alias and insult our fighters who stand in that squared circle and bleed for the sport we love.
I want to see fights like Budler v Segura, Chilembe v Shumenov, Oosthuizen v Bute, Simba v Green (Simba should fight at cruiser, he’d be a force there). These are fights that should be made and debated, that require trainer and fan alike supporting and developing local talent, sa born or not. I want to say Bute is a loser not Bhuthulezi.
Locally trained are locally made and should be locally admired!
January 20, 2011 at 10:46 am, Boxing supporter said:
Playback I do not understand what you are trying to say. Bhuthelezi will not win this fight. I have been to see Budler spar and I have never seen such an inprovement in a boxer.
If you think you know Budler’s style believe me you don’t it a new man. Budler not only looks like a champion he trains like one. I
am convinsed that Buthelezi is going to sleep.
January 20, 2011 at 3:18 pm, Payback said:
Boxing supporter i can see you don’t understand what I am saying, because if you read from the top of the comment you’ll see that I have Budler by KO, my reference re Bute Bhuthulezi, was to say I’d prefer to want a foreigner to lose as opposed to wanting a local fighter to lose, like Bhuthulezi.
I am a massive hex fan, but I’d prefer him to beat up an international superstar than beat up Bhuthulezi, like he is going to come 27 January 2010. Check the context before you assume that you know me.
Gideon is a great minimum weight champ, but I do feel Elias has bitten off more than he can chew putting him in the ring with Hekkie. Gideon deserves a better matchup, maybe against Joyi where he could unify some belts.
January 24, 2011 at 10:17 am, Pierre Burger said:
@ Payback – I assume you must be referring to Themba Joyi, not Nkosinathi Joyi! Nkosinathi could KO Hekkie Budler and Gideon Buthelezi on the same night without breaking a sweat. That guy is the business, big time. Rated number one in his division by The Ring – now that’s credibility.
I wouldn’t put Hekkie or Gideon anywhere near IBF flyweight champion Moruthi Mthalane, either. He is another bad-a$$ of note.
January 24, 2011 at 12:25 pm, Duncan said:
I think lets see what happens after this fight Hekkie to beat Buthelezi and then I recon bigger things for this youngster he has what it takes to become a super star.
Give Hekkie credit if you personally know him you would know why I say this kid trains like a machine and lives for the sport,He was an ambassador in the amature ranks and now the pro ranks.
If this kid is looked after he will take any fighter in the divisions title away,may it be IBF , WBC ,IBO WHICH HE IS THE CHAMPION,ECT.
do not write this kid of yet he still has alot to give in the future.
January 24, 2011 at 3:07 pm, Pierre Burger said:
Eish… it breaks my heart, having to bring a tone of REALISM to the discussions about Hekkie Budler. He is obviously a very decent, dedicated and humble person, a very hard worker with a huge heart, and I wish him all the best and every success in boxing and life. But it seems I am the only person on the website, among his legions, of friends, family and other fanatical supporters, who is trying to evaluate his abilities and achievements objectively. The simple truth is, the kid got beaten up twice by Juanito Rubillar, and is not currently able to beat any of the legitimate four champions (WBC, WBA, IBF, or WBO).
Sorry guys, but that’s the truth.
January 25, 2011 at 2:20 pm, Boxing supporter said:
Piere who cares what you think Budler is our CHAMP!!!!
WE LOVE HIM!!!
And come the night of the 27 th He is going to stop Gideon.
And his promotor will take him to the next level. Sorry that we do agree with you. Rubilar is a old man with an old man’s Body and strenth. Budler is growing into his weight devision. And according to the judges and a number of us won both those fights.
Just waite and see what Budler will become.
A world champ in a few devisions.
SA LOVES YOU BUDLER AND SO DO THE WOMAN!!!!
January 25, 2011 at 2:23 pm, Boxing supporter said:
Sorry i meant to say we do not agee with you Piere.
January 25, 2011 at 7:34 pm, Pierre Burger said:
The calibre of boxing knowledge (not to mention basic things like “spelling” and “grammar”)among some of the chumps on this website is truly depressing. Exhibit “A” – the comments directly above by “Boxing supporter”. This is basically nothing but a fan club, not a boxing blog.