Golden Gloves

Boxing trainer Colin Nathan is leaving nothing to chance ahead of his fighter Hekkie “The Hex-ecutioner” Budler’s forthcoming IBO world junior flyweight title bout with Juanito Rubillar of the Philippines. The two boxers will be fighting for the vacant IBO title on February 27 at Emperors Palace.

Phil Landman, whose one of the top strength and conditioning trainers in the world, and who trains international welterweight star Miguel Cotto among others, has at Nathan’s request agreed to assist the diminutive Budler in his pre-fight preparations. “Phil is in South africa on vacation and I was naturally delighted when he said that he’d lend his experience to Hekkie ahead of this potentially career-defining contest” said Nathan.

Moreover, Nathan also flew up southpaw Bongani Dlamini from the Eastern Cape, and this top-notch mini-flyweight contender will be Budler’s chief sparring partner in the weeks leading up to the contest. “The guy’s a very talented lefty (Southpaw) and that should aid us immeasurably in preparing for Rubillar, whose one of the shiftiest southpaws in the business” concluded Nathan.
Then too, Nathan has also acquired the services of Cara Humphrey, who is regarded as the No-1 sports dietician in South africa, and Humphrey will be monitoring Budler throughout his training and prior to his final workout the week of the fight.

“Obviously I’m pleased that Colin has taken such a professional stance regarding this championship fight” said Golden Gloves Promoter Rodney Berman, “and it looks to me like he finally realizes that he can leave no stone unturned when it comes to world title boxing. Rubillar is a tremensously versatile southpaw and there’s no way that Hekkie will have an easy fight on February 27. I just hope that the team Nathan has assembled (that includes SA boxing icon Baby Jake Matlala) will afford him a winning hand on the night”.